H.R. 5194: Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025

This bill, titled the "Beautifying Federal Civic Architecture Act of 2025," aims to establish guiding principles for the design and architecture of federal public buildings in the United States. The legislation sets out several key policies and criteria to ensure that federal buildings are uplifting, visually prominent, and respectful of regional architectural heritage.

Key Objectives

• Architectural Inspiration: Federal public buildings should uplift public spaces, inspire the human spirit, and reflect the dignity and stability of the U.S. government.
• Community Engagement: Designs must include substantial input from local communities, ensuring they resonate with the people they serve.
• Preferred Architectural Styles: Traditional and classical architecture are prioritized, particularly in Washington D.C., where classical architecture is considered the default style unless justified otherwise.
• Respect for Regional Styles: New designs should respect the architectural styles and heritage of the region in which the building is located.
• Design Considerations: If a building’s design deviates from the preferred styles, careful attention must be given to ensuring it still commands respect and reflects the values of self-governance.
• Building Renovations: When modifying existing buildings, efforts should be made to redesign them to meet the established aesthetic criteria wherever feasible and economically sensible.

Guiding Principles for Design

The bill outlines specific principles that federal agencies should adhere to when designing public buildings:

• Architectural Excellence: Designs must embody architectural excellence and consider regional traditions.
• Incorporation of Art: Where appropriate, fine art by living American artists should be included in building designs.
• Economic Viability: Buildings should be economical to build, operate, and maintain.
• Accessibility: The designs should ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Implementation and Oversight

The bill mandates the General Services Administration (GSA) to update its policies to align with the new architectural standards and principles. Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that architects involved in the design process have adequate experience in classical or traditional architecture.
• Establishing an advisory role focused on architectural design with expertise in preferred architectural styles.
• Conducting design competitions to encourage diverse architectural proposals.
• Reporting annually to Congress on adherence to the bill's policies and its implementation progress.

Exceptions and Limitations

The legislation specifies that it does not impact the authority of executive agencies or create enforceable rights against the United States. The implementation will depend on available funding and must align with existing laws.

Evaluation of Non-Compliance

If a proposed design diverges significantly from the preferred architectural styles, the GSA must notify relevant authorities and justify the decision at least 30 days before any major expenditures on the design.

Relevant Companies

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