Final answer:
Nazi architecture was characterized by monumental, imposing designs that served as symbols of power, unity, and the regime's nationalistic and racist ideologies. Artwork was selected based on Hitler's taste, initially favoring 'Aryan' art that was conventional and heroic, while modern and expressionist art was denounced as 'degenerate'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The architecture under the Nazi regime was marked by a stark contrast between what was considered 'degenerate' art and 'Aryan' art. The Nazis, including Hitler who was a painter himself, put great emphasis on visual symbolism, promoting ideals through art that was conventionally 'beautiful' and stereotypically heroic. The decision of which artworks to glorify or denounce was largely based on Hitler’s personal taste, which eventually leaned towards art endorsed by his appointed museum director, Dr. Hans Posse.
Before the Degenerate Art Exhibition, prominent Nazis like Goebbels and Himmler had an interest in modern and mystical Germanic art, respectively. However, as the Nazi regime's ideology hardened, this preference was overruled in favor of promoting art that reflected their nationalistic and racist beliefs.
In terms of architecture, while the Nazis did not specifically outline a uniform aesthetic, they constructed massive infrastructure, including highways, stadiums, and buildings, all as symbols of German strength and prestige. The stark, imposing and monumental style of Nazi architecture was designed to reflect the regime's ideals of power and unity, contrasting the individualism and innovation found in earlier expressionist architecture.