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Democracy in Design Act
12/15/2023, 4:05 PM
Summary of Bill S 366
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.
Congressional Summary of S 366
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.
