The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
A journey through conservation
2020–
Introduction
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is more than a building; it is a journey through a preserved landscape of diverse habitats, punctuated with small pavilions providing spaces for reflection and activity. The building’s location at the northeast edge of the butte preserves the landscape for conservation research while offering a setting for educational walks, leisure, and recreation. Through its ongoing maintenance and cultivation, the site landscape will act as a laboratory and biological repository for the flora of the Badlands.
Technical details
Theodore Roosevelt Foundation
Our design for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library 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. As visitors set out on the Library loop, they will encounter adventurous paths which connect to the nearby Maah Daah Hey Trail as well as several small pavilions. Ranging from contemplative nooks to expansive vistas, these pavilions invite visitors to experience Roosevelt’s trials and triumphs in dialogue with the landscapes that shaped him. Visitors can ascend the accessible rooftop to discover commanding views of the National Park, including historical settings in the Little Missouri River valley, and the location of Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch far in the distance. The vista is a call to action, connecting today’s visitor to Roosevelt’s legacy.
At night, the roof provides an ideal location for stargazing. The design functions in harmony with the unique ecology of the region and expresses the conservation ethos for which Roosevelt is remembered.
Inside the library, interactive exhibition areas will be complemented by a large theater. These two architectural elements are joined underneath the landscaped roof, which creates a central courtyard as well as verandahs where visitors can sit and contemplate the landscape.
The library’s construction will use locally sourced and renewable materials, including mass timber, while its 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 that the Library will be accessible in all seasons. Drawing a continuum between past and present, our design captures the legacy of T.R., while also making a commitment to the longevity and health of the region.
