In 1962, President John F. Kennedy charged the General Services Administration (GSA) (only founded 13 years earlier) to enquire into the design and construction of federal buildings. It fell to a young bureaucrat, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, to write the “guiding principles for federal architecture”.

He formulated three paragraphs of such astonishing clarity, such brilliance of insight, they're worth revisiting, especially as we watch democracy unravel. It reminds us that the USA was in many ways the apotheosis of mid-century modernist design.

From the Report to the President by the Ad Hoc Committee on Federal Office Space, June 1, 1962, first there was a preamble:

“Guiding Principles

In the course of its consideration of the general subject of Federal office space, the committee has given some thought to the need for a set of principles which will guide the Government in the choice of design for Federal buildings. The committee takes it to be a matter of general understanding that the economy and suitability of Federal office space derive directly from the architectural design…

The committee is also of the opinion that the Federal Government, no less than other public and private organizations concerned with the construction of new buildings, should take advantage of the increasingly fruitful collaboration between architecture and the fine arts. With these objects in view, the committee recommends a three-point architectural policy for the Federal Government.”

Then three paragraphs.

For emphasis on their exquisiteness, I've separated them into individual sentences, because they need to be absorbed slowly and surely.

“1. The policy shall be to provide requisite and adequate facilities in an architectural style and form which is distinguished and which will reflect the dignity, enterprise, vigor, and stability of the American National Government.

Major emphasis should be placed on the choice of designs that embody the finest contemporary American architectural thought.

Specific attention should be paid to the possibilities of incorporating into such designs qualities which reflect the regional architectural traditions of that part of the Nation in which buildings are located.

Where appropriate, fine art should be incorporated in the designs, with emphasis on the work of living American artists.

Designs shall adhere to sound construction practice and utilize materials, methods, and equipment of proven dependability.

Buildings shall be economical to build, operate, and maintain, and should be accessible to the handicapped.

2. The development of an official style must be avoided. Design must flow from the architectural profession to the Government, and not vice versa.

The Government should be willing to pay some additional cost to avoid excessive uniformity in the design of Federal buildings.

Competitions for the design of Federal buildings may be held where appropriate.

The advice of distinguished architects ought to, as a rule, be sought prior to the award of important design contracts.

3. The choice and development of the building site should be considered the first step of the design process. This choice should be made in cooperation with local agencies.

Special attention should be paid to the general ensemble of streets and public places of which Federal buildings will form a part.

Where possible, buildings should be located so as to permit a generous development of landscape.”

The best clarion call and recipe for design excellence we can possibly have: site & context; purpose and respect; dignity & vigour (sic); no style – embrace contemporary architecture; regionalism & modernism; integration of art; accessibility; cost-effectiveness.

Daniel Patrick Moynihan would go on to be a senator and diplomat and be influential in making policies on welfare, poverty, crime, and families. He was controversial but a guiding light on the left of the USA, of whom it was once said that he "wrote more books than most senators have read."

For architects and designers it is his insights into the possibilities for better buildings that we are grateful for.

What better way in these dark times to end our year on a positive note?

I wish all the readers the very best for 2026, and I hope that this short homily can shed some light on our work.

Cross-Sections are Friday musings from Tone Wheeler, formerly of Tone on Tuesday. Amateurs draw plans; professionals draw sections – never at cross purposes.

Tone Wheeler

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