Former Architect of the Capitol, Alan M. Hantman, Discusses His New Book Under the Dome: Politics, Crisis, and Architect

“My work with Alan Hantman came at a pivotal point in the management of the United States Capitol. The murders of two Capitol Police Officers…in 1998 changed the freedom of movement in and around the Capitol forever…The result was approval…to construct a safe, secure entrance to the Capitol…the Capitol Visitor Center…Under the Dome is an exemplary display of the birth, growth and future of these iconic grounds and buildings.”

– Former Senate Majority Leader, Harry M. Reid Jr.

An inside account of politics, crisis, and architecture on Capitol Hill.

The domed US Capitol Building is recognized around the world as America’s most iconic symbol, the forum for representative democracy, and the physical stage for the transfer of executive power. As the United States grew in size and complexity, the Capitol was built, rebuilt, enlarged, and extended many times under the direction of the few who have served as Architect of the Capitol. This official heads the agency dedicated to preserving and upgrading this magnificent structure, and all the buildings and grounds of Capitol Hill.

In Under the Dome, Alan Hantman, the Architect of the Capitol from 1997 to 2007, provides a personal account of how the Capitol works as a physical space; who runs it, how and why decisions are made about the security of the Capitol and the people who work there, and how politicians think about the Capitol Building. He also recounts security threats to the Capitol during his tenure – including the 1998 shooting murder of two police officers and the Capitol evacuation on 9/11 as a hijacked airplane approached–that underscore one of his greatest challenges as Architect. The tension between securing the Capitol and opening it to the public drove the design and construction under his direction of the Capitol Visitor Center, the largest development of the Capitol in more than a century.

Alan M. Hantman was appointed the 10th Architect of the Capitol for a ten-year term in 1997. Prior to serving as Architect of the Capitol, Hantman was Vice President of Planning, Architecture, Historic Preservation and Construction at Rockefeller Center in New York City.

.Books will be available for sale and a booksigning will follow the discussion. We encourage you to pre-order through East City Bookshop to ensure your copy. All books will be available for pick up at the event. https://eastcitybookshop.com/item/-3LJc4kA0y6D92Rp3Mi2_g