credits: White House Redux

White on both sides

One of the world's least approachable buildings.

Even though it’s safe from the swath of Mr. Abrams’ scorpion hound, Storefront for Art and Architecture and Control Group are asking architects around the world to re-design The White House from the ground up. A jury of architects and designers (including Geoff Manaugh of BLDGBLOG) will select the winning designs, images and videos for display at Storefront for Art and Architecture this summer and publication in Surface magazine.

James Hoban’s original design came out of a competition held in 1792; since the British torched it in 1814, the White House has undergone almost constant renovation and expansion, though the signature columnar facade has always remained intact. More than 215 years later it will be fascinating to see how 21st century architects re-imagine the hearth and home of the world’s most influential family.

credits: John Plume

South front daguerrotype

1846: earliest known photograph of The White House taken during the Polk Administration.

We predict less security and grandeur will carry the day along with an entirely new location. How about a bunkered series of glowing lantern-boxes set into the Appalachian foothills, a structure that actually flows with the surrounding landscape instead of presiding over it like some 18th century Lord’s estate? God forbid we move beyond the wrought-iron imperialism of “Plus Ultra.”

We live right around the corner from Storefront and look forward to talking with the three winners when they arrive this summer. Interested planners and plotters should visit whitehouseredux.org for complete competition specs and info on the judges.

Thanks to Geoff for keeping us apprised.