Speak Up! Attend the Moynihan Symposium on Federal Design



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In 1962, while writing a report to President John F. Kennedy on the subject of federal office space, a young Daniel Patrick Moynihan penned what has become known as the Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture.

Fifty years later, these directives still shape and form the mission in the Public Buildings Service, and they have become the cornerstone of the General Services Administration’s Design Excellence Program.

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In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Guiding Principles, GSA is convening a symposium in Washington, D.C., to discuss the future of public design. The Moynihan Symposium on Public Design will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. ASLA encourages its members and other design professionals to attend this historic event and participate in the dialogue on the future of design. This event is free and open to the public.

The Moynihan Symposium on Public Design will celebrate the late Senator Moynihan’s insight, foresight, and accomplishment. Participants will discuss his legacy, where professionals might have achieved his vision, and where we still fall short. Moreover, there will be a national discussion with design leaders, including Walter Hood, ASLA, of Hood Studios; David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; Thom Mayne of Morphosis; and public officials such as Harriet Tregoning, the director for the Office of Planning for the District of Columbia, about the challenges of better design in the public realm and the joint responsibilities in meeting these challenges.

As GSA begins to evaluate the Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture, ASLA has weighed in with comments that call for more attention to the site and surrounding landscape of our federal buildings. In particular, ASLA suggests that the design of the sites should set the standard for sustainability, reflect the regional diversity and culture, and allow security measures to be seamlessly integrated with the landscape.

More information about the Moynihan Symposium can be found at moynihansymposium.us, including instructions for registering.

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