To Build a More Perfect Union: Architecture & Democracy (ON-SITE)

On-site registration for this event will close at noon on Monday, October 11. After that time, please register for the recording link and we will send that to you.

When former president Donald Trump announced that classical architecture should be the only style used on future federal buildings, he ignited a firestorm of protest from much of the architecture community. But this announcement was just the latest chapter in a long debate about American architecture’s relationship with democratic ideals and principles. Join us during DesignPhiladelphia for a provocative exploration of these issues inside historic Carpenters’ Hall, a gem of classical Georgian architecture and a key site in the formation of American democracy.

Our moderator is state senator the Hon. Nikil Saval, former co-editor of the literary journal n+1 whose writings on architecture and design have appeared in The New York Times and The New Yorker.

Our panelists are:

• Richard Bartholomew: former partner at Wallace Roberts & Todd and a fellow of the American Academy in Rome

• John Blatteau: principal of the architecture firm John Blatteau Associates and a professor emeritus of architecture at Drexel University

• Daniela Voith: founding principal of Voith and Mactavish Architects and president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art

**Attendance is limited, and proof of COVID vaccination is required. This is an on-site event, but it will be recorded. If you can't attend in person but would like to receive a recording afterwards, please register under the Recording Link option.*

Sponsors: Mills+Schnoering Architects and Bruce Brooks Associates

Community Partner: ICAA Philadelphia