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The Personal Influence of Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman
Series: Power, Architecture, and Politics: The Design of Washington and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts Symposium
Presented By: William B. Bushong, White House Historical Association
Date Recorded: May 19, 2010
Duration: :48:54
As the largest user of design services and materials, the federal government’s influence on the built environment of the nation is immense. The president of the United States as a national leader and chief “client,” concerned with the control of design, money, materials, and labor, can exercise great influence on architectural and landscape development in Washington and the nation at large. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman were two strong presidents with decided opinions on matters of design and boldly outspoken about them.
