Stylistic Straitjacket
The University of Virginia offers a case study on what to expect from President Trump’s executive order decreeing that classicism will be the default style for future Federal Buildings.
The Rotunda of the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson
Photo:
Getty Images
By
Cammy Brothers
Jan. 6, 2021 5:12 pm ET
The long-rumored plan to make classicism the sanctioned style for federal architecture recently became a reality when President Trump issued the “Executive Order on Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture” last month. This may seem like an inconsequential action in the waning days of the administration, but unless it’s revoked by Joe Biden once he assumes the presidency it will endure, threatening to do lasting damage.