Calling On Designers To Propose A New House For The President Of The United States

On a hot day in the middle of July, 1792, an important political figure met with commissioners to review submissions to the first-ever architecture competition held in their young nation. The figure was George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, and he was reviewing proposals for an “Executive Mansion,” a key feature in Pierre L’Enfant’s master plan for the capitol city. Quickly, and without hesitation, Washington selected a design put forth by an Irish immigrant, James Hoban, who had come to the newly founded United States after the Revolutionary War and established himself as an architect in Charleston. Washington was the sole juror for this competition and quickly selected Hoban’s design from only six proposals.

What if a competition was held today for the home of the president of the United States? What if designers could establish a new identity for one of the most important buildings in the United States?

Back in 1792, one person was the judge of only six proposals to determine the image of what is arguably now the United State’s most prominent house and a symbol of democracy. This competition is calling on designers to propose a new house for the President of the United States. How would the image of this iconic piece of architecture change if it were to be redesigned now? What would a new design for the White House look like today?

Designers can propose any size of building(s) placed anywhere within the boundary of the current White House grounds. Designers can use the program list from the existing house or reinterpret it for their new designs.

Designers should design as if nothing currently exists on the grounds. Other than the president’s home, there are no requirements for designing buildings and landscapes within the grounds. However, designers are free to propose additional elements if they choose to do so.

Upon registration, participants will receive a 3D site model indicating the boundary they can design within.

Investigate the fundamental role of the house as a home and the domestic space for the president’s family.

> Investigate the many functions and activities that take place within the house and their relation to one another.

> Investigate what symbolism, if any, should be embodied within the house.

> Consider how architectural qualities can be used to represent ideals of the nation.

> Consider how social and cultural aspects of the present day United States affect the design. For instance, issues of race still exist hundreds of years later after slaves were used for the initial construction of the house.

> Investigate how the house and its grounds relate to the surrounding context.

Project submissions are not required to meet all of the above objectives.