I hope you will consider joining the PAKC this year at AIA24 for an in-depth discussion of the value of public architects at all levels of practice. The theme for the Public Architects Symposium on 5 June 2024 - Public Architecture: Dignity, Enterprise, Vigor, Stability - was inspired by a phrase by Daniel Patrick Moynihan. In 1961, as a young assistant to the Secretary of Labor Arthur Goldberg, Moynihan was asked to assist an Ad Hoc Committee on Federal Office Space. Within the 16-page report Moynihan provided "Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture." In the words of Charles H. Atherton, who served the Commission of Fine Arts from 1965 to 2004: "The Guiding Principles are like the Declaration of Independence. You can't revise them. They are so basic and so right in everything."
Guiding Principles
In the course of its consideration of the general subject of Federal office space, the committee has given some thought to the need for a set of principles which will guide the Government in the choice of design for Federal buildings. The committee takes it to be a matter of general understanding that the economy and suitability of Federal office space derive directly from the architectural design. The belief that good design is optional, or in some way separate from the question
The committee is also of the opinion that the Federal Government, no less than other public and private organizations concerned with the construction of new buildings, should take advantage of the increasingly fruitful collaboration between architecture and the fine arts. With these objects in view, the committee recommends a three-point architectural policy for the Federal Government.
1. The policy shall be to provide requisite and adequate facilities in an architectural style and form which is distinguished and which will reflect the dignity, enterprise, vigor, and stability of the American National Government. Major emphasis should be placed on the choice of designs that embody the finest contemporary American architectural thought. Specific attention should be paid to the possibilities of incorporating into such designs qualities which reflect the regional architectural traditions of that part of the Nation in which buildings are located. Where appropriate, fine art should be incorporated in the designs, with emphasis on the work of living American artists. Designs shall adhere to sound construction practice and utilize materials, methods, and equipment of proven dependability. Buildings shall be economical to build, operate, and maintain, and should be accessible to the handicapped.
2. The development of an official style must be avoided. Design must flow from the architectural profession to the Government, and not vice versa. The Government should be willing to pay some additional cost to avoid excessive uniformity in design of Federal buildings. Competitions for the design of Federal buildings may be held where appropriate. The advice of distinguished architects ought to, as a rule, be sought prior to the award of important design contracts.
3. The choice and development of the building site should be considered the first step of the design process. This choice should be made in cooperation with local agencies. Special attention should be paid to the general ensemble of streets and public places of which Federal buildings will form a part. Where possible, buildings should be located so as to permit a generous development of landscape.
Report to the President by the Ad Hoc Committee on Federal Office Space, June 1, 1962.
In December 2002 the US General Services Administration, having established the Design Excellence Program, issued a publication - Vision + Voice - to document the voices of some of the leading public officials, architects, and design professionals who have worked to inspire and nurture excellence in Federal architecture. You can find the document here: https://www.gsa.gov/system/files/V%2BV4_Intro.pdf
And if you are looking for inspiration for a career in public service, take a look at the recent PBS American Masters documentary on the remarkable life and legacy of the former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who served under four presidents - both Democrat and Republican - and continues to inform efforts to combat national poverty, as well as to inspire the best in public architecture. Daniel Patrick Moynihan - Watch the documentary now | American Masters | PBS
| American Masters |
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| Daniel Patrick Moynihan - Watch the documentary now | American Masters | PBS |
| Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan and his fight to end national poverty. |
| View this on American Masters > |
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Ludmilla Pavlova-Gillham FAIA
University of Massachusetts
Amherst MA
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