Final answer:
Augustus' building program in Rome was characterized by utilitarianism and a dedication to public welfare, not personal luxury or aesthetic experimentation for its own sake.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is NOT a characteristic of Augustus' building program in Rome? The building program initiated by Augustus in Rome did not focus on extravagance or luxury for his personal life, contrary to what Nero would later exemplify with his Domus Aurea (Golden House).
Augustus' approach was utilitarian and strategic, aiming to benefit the Roman populace and to solidify his image as a benevolent ruler. The projects such as the construction of the Ara Pacis emphasized political and ideological motives more than personal luxury.
Augustan architecture was heavily influenced by Greek architecture, and its commitment to public welfare through the provision of jobs, grain, and entertainment reflects a dedication to the people rather than a pursuit of personal opulence or radical experimentation with architectural forms for solely aesthetic purposes.