Modern Classics: The Rebirth of Civic Architecture

The mission of the Washington, D.C.-based National Civic Art Society is to promote “public art and architecture worthy of our great republic.” To that end, they have drafted a proposed executive order entitled “Making Federal Buildings Beautiful Again.” Citing the perceived failures of modern civic architecture, the group espouses a return to the tradition of classical design, drawing on the ancient Greeks and Romans for inspiration in government architecture. Whether or not the order is signed by President Trump, it would only apply to federal buildings, leaving the states and localities free to embrace modernism or stick to the classics.