In the final phases of the design competition for the design of the anticipated Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, the Foundation of the same name has selected three finalists: Henning Larsen, Snøhetta, and Studio Gang. The top three were chosen from amongst 12 other practices that responded to the RFQ made public by the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation.
The project will reside in the the North Dakotan Badlands where Roosevelt first set out to following the death of his wife and mother. The Badlands is where a young Roosevelt found refuge and healing, pursuing what he later called the "strenuous life." The mission of the library is "to explore Theodore Roosevelt's life, legacy, and enduring relevance." The submissions by each of the three finalists uniquely capture this lasting legacy.
Henning Larsen's concept embraces the notion of "rootedness" and landscape, with the introduction of an underground exhibition journey that visitors of the library will be able to move through to experience and learn about Roosevelt's life. Throughout this concept, visitors will be led to pausing points where they will be able to take in the expansive South Dakotan landscape.
Snøhetta's proposal also celebrates the Badlands landscape, but on a deeper and more intentional level. Path's stretch out from the main building, inviting visitors to walk throughout the surrounding planes Roosevelt grew to love. The low profile of the main library building highlights the natural habitat in which it sits, adopting an overarching concept of preservation.
Studio Gang's concept is conceived as a basecamp embedded in the Badlands. The building takes its formal inspiration from the rock formations of the area, emerging from the land in a manner mimicking the natural sculpting of rock by water and wind over time.
14 Comments
White as Snow-eta, I see they're hiring. I wonder if they ever solved their BLM[ma]?
Snohetta is racist? I don't care, give me a spot to do those projects.
Perfect, if we can get all the racists in one firm, it'll be easier to figure out who to hate.
yes, because hate is the answer.
I am not racist. I am just morally compromised.Willing to make deal with devil in order to serve the greater Architecture.
How is Snohetta racist again?
They didn't pass the #BLM purity test?
Do your own homework, lazy fucks.
Well this is indeed in the middle of a (beautiful and severe) nowhere. I like the HL scheme for its rough-hewn vibe but this is a pretty big intrusion on the landscape regardless of the design!
They may be locating it on the Teddy Roosevelt National Park...Am I missing something or do Presidential Libraries not offer archival resources/collections pertaining to that president's records anymore? If so, why is this project proposed so far from civilization? Personally, I feel these designs would off more cultural value in a more suitable context that is less detrimental to the landscape(and wildlife) while being closer to a city where people access its resources more readily.
At a glance it seems contrary to the most compelling narrative of it's namesake.
Don't they usually just put them in the city the person was born in?
Depends on which insitution or city is willing to host the library. Bush 43 has his on the SMU campus and Obama's is supposed to be in Chicago.
Teddy was born in NYC, but I can see how this location “preserves” the fantasy of his legacy however contradicts the program carrying out said legacy. *sigh* I still see this as sprawl at the end of the day.
Any interesting architecture in this area seems like a plus. Or any buildings at all. All 3 are decent, the HL seems the best. Not trying too hard to "mimic the natural landscap" but adds to it.
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