A prominent architect has criticised President Donald Trump's proposed £300 million White House ballroom, describing it as overly large and ahistorical. David Scott Parker, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, said the 22,000-square-foot hall 'adversely impacts' the historic building and may violate federal law.
Parker, who is also a board member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, noted that the ballroom could be shrunk by nearly half while still accommodating the required 1,000 guests. The plans, which go before the National Capital Planning Commission on Thursday, have drawn more than 98 per cent negative public comments, according to The New York Times.
The architect further argued that the new wing dwarfs the original White House, fails to comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and breaks the clear sight lines along Pennsylvania Avenue intended by the Founding Fathers. 'This literally violates the Founding Fathers' intentions,' Parker said.
A Trump administration official countered that the ballroom will be ADA compliant and designed to reflect the White House's classical aesthetic. The design was overseen by architect Shalom Baranes. Last month, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the project despite negative feedback.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed an amended lawsuit alleging multiple federal law violations, after a federal judge rejected an earlier injunction request. The project has faced widespread criticism, with one commenter calling it a 'fascist take on classism.'
