Snøhetta’s design for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library was recently selected as the winning entry in a competition to design the facility. The design is informed by the President’s personal reflections on the landscape, his commitment to environmental stewardship, and the periods of quiet introspection and civic engagement that marked his life.
The facility is conceived as a journey through a preserved landscape of diverse habitats, punctuated with small pavilions providing spaces for reflection and activity. Set at the northeast edge of a butte, the landscape is preserved for conservation research while offering a setting for educational walks, leisure, and recreation. Paths will connect to the nearby Maah Daah Trail and several small pavilions. These pavilions will range from small nooks to expansive vistas.
An accessible rooftop provides views of the National Park, connecting visitors to Roosevelt’s legacy. At night, the roof will provide an ideal location for stargazing. A covered porch that overlooks the nearby valleys can be used for gatherings throughout the year. Additionally, large windows will highlight views to historically significant landscapes and blur the line between interior and exterior.
The library’s construction will use locally sourced and renewable materials while sophisticated energy systems will set a new standard for sustainable design in the region. The design also mitigates the impact of wind and other climatic factors so the library will be accessible in all seasons.
Related Stories
Libraries | Oct 22, 2020
Envisioning libraries as community hubs
In the following, HGA Vice President and Senior Designer Jane Dedering discusses her passion for libraries, community engagement, and how the current pandemic will influence libraries moving forward.
Libraries | Oct 21, 2020
Hôtel particulier built in 1642 becomes a media library and park
The project is located in Pélissanne.
Libraries | Sep 25, 2020
Major renovation to Providence’s downtown library is completed
The $29 million project adds light and collaborative space to a 67-year-old wing.
Libraries | Sep 18, 2020
Four projects receive 2020 AIA/ALA Library Building Award
2020 AIA/ALA Library Building Award recipients must demonstrate design achievement, including a sense of place, purpose, ecology, environmental sustainability, and of history.
Libraries | Sep 15, 2020
Campus libraries are leaping into the future
The world of information and student populations are constantly evolving. Academic libraries can lead the way as campuses strive to stay ahead.
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
Libraries | May 12, 2020
Designing resilient libraries for a post-covid world
As architects, it has been especially interesting to see how public libraries have deployed their physical resources and spaces to continue serving their communities despite these closures.
Libraries | Feb 4, 2020
Design of the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives unveiled
Diamond Schmitt Architects is designing the project.
Libraries | Jan 23, 2020
Information or community center: The next generation of libraries must be both
Are libraries still relevant in a digital world?
Libraries | Nov 18, 2019
Snøhetta designs Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s new Main Library
The library is located at the center of the rapidly changing North Tryon corridor.