Democracy in Design Act

12/15/2023, 4:05 PM

Democracy in Design Act

This bill requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to ensure that the design of federal public buildings (e.g., agency office buildings) adheres to the principles of the report titled Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture.

The report was published by the Ad Hoc Committee on Federal Office Space on June 1, 1962, and serves as the policy directive for the GSA's Design Excellence Program within its Public Buildings Service. Among other principles, the report prescribes against the development of an official architectural style for government buildings and encourages the government to avoid excessive uniformity in building design.

The GSA must issue regulations to implement the amendment made by this bill and to establish minimum standards for the design of public buildings.

The Democracy in Design Act, also known as Bill 118 s 366, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to promote transparency and accountability in the design of public spaces and buildings.

The bill requires that any project receiving federal funding for the design or construction of a public space or building must adhere to certain guidelines aimed at ensuring that the design process is inclusive and democratic. This includes requirements for public input and participation in the design process, as well as provisions for the consideration of diverse perspectives and needs.

Additionally, the Democracy in Design Act mandates that all design proposals for federally funded projects must be made available to the public for review and feedback before a final decision is made. This is intended to increase transparency and allow for greater public scrutiny of the design choices being made. Overall, the Democracy in Design Act seeks to promote a more inclusive and democratic approach to the design of public spaces and buildings, with the goal of creating environments that better serve the needs and interests of all members of the community.
Congress
118
Number
S - 366
Introduced on
2023-02-09
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

2/9/2023
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Democracy in Design Act

This bill requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to ensure that the design of federal public buildings (e.g., agency office buildings) adheres to the principles of the report titled Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture.

The report was published by the Ad Hoc Committee on Federal Office Space on June 1, 1962, and serves as the policy directive for the GSA's Design Excellence Program within its Public Buildings Service. Among other principles, the report prescribes against the development of an official architectural style for government buildings and encourages the government to avoid excessive uniformity in building design.

The GSA must issue regulations to implement the amendment made by this bill and to establish minimum standards for the design of public buildings.

The Democracy in Design Act, also known as Bill 118 s 366, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to promote transparency and accountability in the design of public spaces and buildings.

The bill requires that any project receiving federal funding for the design or construction of a public space or building must adhere to certain guidelines aimed at ensuring that the design process is inclusive and democratic. This includes requirements for public input and participation in the design process, as well as provisions for the consideration of diverse perspectives and needs.

Additionally, the Democracy in Design Act mandates that all design proposals for federally funded projects must be made available to the public for review and feedback before a final decision is made. This is intended to increase transparency and allow for greater public scrutiny of the design choices being made. Overall, the Democracy in Design Act seeks to promote a more inclusive and democratic approach to the design of public spaces and buildings, with the goal of creating environments that better serve the needs and interests of all members of the community.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to direct the Administrator of General Services to ensure that the design of public buildings in the United States adheres to the guiding principles for Federal architecture, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics
Potential Impact
Administrative law and regulatory procedures•
Architecture•
General Services Administration•
Government buildings, facilities, and property

Comments

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Recent Activity

Latest Summary4/25/2023

Democracy in Design Act

This bill requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to ensure that the design of federal public buildings (e.g., agency office buildings) adheres to the principles of the report titled Guiding Pr...

Latest Action2/9/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.