Americans’ Preferred Architecture for Federal Buildings

Since the founding of the United States, there has been ongoing debate about the best architectural style for government buildings. Traditionally, classical designs—such as neoclassicism, Greek Revival, and Beaux Arts—set the precedent for federal architecture. However, after World War II, Modernism took center stage, and the General Services Administration (GSA) favored the International Style and Brutalist architecture. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in returning to classical and traditional styles. A 2020 survey conducted by the National Civic Art Society found that over 7 in 10 Americans (72%) prefer a traditional look for U.S. courthouses and federal office buildings. This preference transcends political affiliations, with both Republicans and Democrats favoring traditional design. It seems that the character and historical influence of architectural styles play a significant role in shaping preferences. If you’re curious about the broader movement to advance classical and humanistic traditions in federal architecture, the National Civic Art Society is at the forefront of this effort.

Read more about this study in the following article: https://www.civicart.org/americans-preferred-architecture-for-federal-buildings