On Angela/s edits to the EO - all appropriate except I believe the proposed Commission (which already has 3 members) should be abolished. There is no need for another panel based in Washington DC to pass judgement on architectural style, period. That is a local issue to be determined by local citizens. Also, putting "Climate change" as the first two words, while absolutely essential, guarantees that the current Administration will ignore it - with certain exceptions, "climate change" is no longer national policy (unless it occurs to properties owned by the Current Occupant).
On Paul's comments - those Republicans have gone into hiding or no longer exist - the "base" is only interesting in sticking a finger into the eyes of the "elite", as defined by the Current Occupant, regardless of what happens to them. As to educating the masses as to the value and beauty that architecture provides, I am afraid that is a cause that will take decades to accomplish, if at all.
Should this EO go into effect, there are two things which will slow its implementation: refusal of architects to compete for these projects, and the cost of the projects to implement "classical" style. I was in Pennsylvania this weekend and toured the rotunda of the PA State Capitol in Harrisburg - truly a magnificent public structure. I am sure something along the line of what was built in 1902, along with DC's Union Station and Post Office by Burnham is what the current head of the Commission of Fine Arts has in mind. However, there is neither the money nor the craftsman available to create that level of detail and workmanship, and Congress does not look favorably on cost increases during design and construction of projects.
The only way to stop this trend is at the ballot box. Consider what kind of a country you want to live in and pass along to your children and their children, and vote accordingly.
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Edmond Gauvreau, FAIA
Washington, DC
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-17-2020 17:13
From: Paul Adamson
Subject: Executive Order for Classical Architecture
The following are my edits/additions to the AIA letter, directed toward the MAGA proponents.
American architects count among their ranks some of the most spirited, knowledgeable and creative designers in the world, and the freedom explicit in our national ethos inspires them to produce extraordinarily fine works of architecture in all typologies and uses. Why would we limit the potential of this creative force when it comes to the very buildings that represent us as a nation? Surely it's our freedom to create new and perhaps adventurous designs, using the advanced building materials and technologies that the US has to draw upon that contributes to our nation being the envy of all others.
Our democracy is another of our enviable traits, but this sort of top-down approach to the delivery of federal buildings will cut local community voices out of the design process...
I urge you to reject this draft executive order and not continue to pursue any policy change that would replace local input for Washington bureaucrats within the design process in states and municipalities.
We are not Rome, or Ancient Greece, but a shining city on a hill, with the most promise of any society in history, including the Classical world. Let us continue to celebrate the audacious challenge of realizing the promise of that ideal with architecture that is not a product of proscribed formula, but rather a very American synthesis of unbridled individual creativity and passionately held community values.
PAUL ADAMSON FAIA LEED AP
Hospitality Studio Director, TCA Architects
Board of Directors AIA SF
Instructor Academy of Art University
Original Message------
Jim, you are absolutely correct yet unfortunately our President doesn't believe climate change exists, as he clearly expressed at the recent Davos World Conference. He won't care if his new edict conforms with any sustainability principles.
It's a very sad and serious state of affairs with this person in office.
And as noted by others on the subject this President who knows little about architectural integrity is acting along the mindset of an autocratic dictator.
We're in trouble with this person taking actions like this executive order. We need to unify and stop him and furthermore vote in November.
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Thomas Brutting FAIA
Consultant
Independent Consultant
Vallejo CA
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