The American Institute of Architects says it "unequivocally opposes" new architecture rules signed by outgoing US president Donald Trump and vows to undo them as soon as his successor takes office.
Trump signed an executive order yesterday insisting all new federal government buildings must be considered "beautiful" and ideally be designed in the classical or traditional style.
"We look forward to working with president-elect Biden"
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has publicly denounced the presidential directive.
"Communities should have the right and responsibility to decide for themselves what architectural design best fits their needs," said AIA CEO Robert Ivy.
"We look forward to working with president-elect Biden to ensure that," he added. Joe Biden won the November 2020 election against Trump and will be sworn in on 21 January 2021. Biden has already announced he intends to sign his own executive orders, including re-committing the US to the Paris climate agreements.
Trump design mandate "appalling"
Titled Executive Order on Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture, the last-minute decree from Trump rails against an "architectural elite" and states that classical and traditional building styles are "the preferred architecture".

The AIA expressed relief that the final order was less concerning than the draft order published earlier this year, which threatened to ban moder...