Architecture is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a reflection of a culture’s values and aspirations. In America, some of the most significant structures are not just functional buildings. They are symbols of our democracy, crafted with artistry and purpose. The Capitol, the White House, the Supreme Court, and the memorials dedicated to Lincoln and Jefferson stand tall, beautiful, and enduring. They remind us of who we are and the ideals we seek to uphold.
The classic architectural style of these landmarks connects us to our history and traditions, tracing back to the principles of ancient Greece and Rome. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson understood the importance of this aesthetic. Jefferson referred to the U.S. Capitol as “the first temple dedicated to the sovereignty of the people,” while Washington admired its “grandeur, simplicity, and beauty.” Their vision initiated a legacy of classical architecture that dominated American civic buildings for nearly a century and a half.
As new buildings emerged, this classical influence continued to inspire designs across the country. Take the Birch Bayh U.S. Courthouse in Indianapolis, completed in 1905. Its use of Indiana limestone and Ionic columns speaks to the beauty of traditional styles. Similarly, the Tippecanoe County Courthouse in Lafayette, Indiana, completed in 1884, showcases a three-tiered clock tower and stunning sculptures, standing out as one of the state’s most attractive public buildings.
However, since the 1960s, a troubling trend has emerged. The federal government has largely neglected the artistic quality of new constructions. Today, a mere 10% of new federal buildings are designed in traditional or classical styles. Instead, they often reflect a stark brutalism, represented by buildings like the FBI headquarters and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Even those who have worked within these structures—administrators and secretaries alike—have expressed disdain for their design, comparing them unfavorably to “10 floors of basement.”
Recent courthouse designs have gone to the extreme, resembling avant-garde art installations that challenge our values rather than reflect them. For instance, the architect of the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco stated his intention was to create an “aggressive attitude” toward the public. This contradiction raises questions about the true purpose of federal architecture: is it to elevate and inspire or merely to provoke?
In response to this decline, a new legislative initiative will soon take shape with the introduction of the Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act. This bill seeks to revive the focus on beauty in federal building design by codifying the principles laid out in a previous executive order. The goal is clear: new federal structures should “uplift and beautify public spaces, inspire the human spirit, ennoble the United States, and command respect from the general public.” Importantly, it emphasizes a preference for classical and traditional architectural styles while still allowing for diversity in design.
Individuals affected—those within local communities—will have a voice in the process. Currently, there is no obligation for federal agencies to consider public input when it comes to building designs. This legislation seeks to change that, restoring a sense of ownership and pride to citizens about the spaces represented by their government.
Beautiful architecture is not just an aesthetic; it is tied to civic virtue and collective identity. Take the Tuscaloosa Federal Building and Courthouse, opened in 2012, as a case in point. It blends strength with elegance, completed on time and under budget, demonstrating that fiscal responsibility does not need to come at the expense of aesthetics.
Surveys reveal that most Americans appreciate classic architecture. A 2020 poll found that 72% of respondents favored traditional designs for government buildings, a preference shared across the political spectrum. Despite this, there is still resistance from some cultural elites who argue against traditional styles, viewing them as emblematic of oppressive histories. Their criticisms miss the point. The architecture of our public buildings represents a dialogue about our identity and aspirations as a nation.
The Founders envisioned Washington, D.C., as a classical city. By encouraging consistent representation of our core values in federal architecture, we reflect our identity as a proud, liberty-loving nation. Passing the Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act will help ensure that future generations can walk through spaces that resonate with beauty and purpose, carving out a legacy that honors our past while guiding us toward a dignified future.
"*" indicates required fields
