The Design
The design process for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is informed by Roosevelt’s personal reflections on the landscape, his interest in environmental stewardship, and periods of quiet introspection and civic engagement in his life. This is more than a building; it is a journey preserving the existing landscape of diverse habitats punctuated with small pavilions allowing for reflection and activity. The main building’s gently sloping roof looks to the northeast, gazing out to the National Park, historical settings in the Little Missouri River valley, and the Elkhorn Ranch far in the distance, further connecting the Library of tomorrow with its origins from the past.
The Building
The main building is defined by its earthen roof rising from the butte, echoing the landforms of the surrounding Badlands. Visitors can ascend the accessible rooftop to discover commanding views of the National Park and Medora during the day and an ideal location for stargazing at night. Inside the Library, large windows highlight views to historically significant landscapes and complement the rhythm of the interactive exhibitions within. A generous covered porch overlooks the nearby valleys and can be used for gatherings throughout the year.
Loops and Pathways
Roosevelt was drawn to the great diversity, challenge, and beauty of the Badlands, and the Library aims to push guests outdoors, where they can see and feel the landscape as Roosevelt once experienced it. The Library’s location at the northeast edge of the butte preserves this landscape for research while offering a setting for educational walks, leisure, and recre- ation. When visitors arrive, they’ll encounter a carefully positioned board- walk that encourages them to take a walk around the butte. Along the way, they will encounter a series of pathways that connect to the nearby Maah Daah Hey Trail as well as several other destinations.
Boardwalk Features
The nearly mile-long elevated boardwalk circumscribes the grasslands of the bluff, connecting parking, the main library building, events spaces, and gathering areas to one another. A variety of unique moments occur periodically along the length of the boardwalk, each being tailored to their location in the landscape.
① Shade Canopy
The first of these moments occurs on the southeastern side of the loop, where a portion of the walking surface lifts and becomes an overhead trellis. The trellis offers a shaded vantage point from which to rest and gaze inward to the grassland and grazing activities within the central area of the loop.
③ Sunken Path
At its furthest distance from the Library and at the highest point of the grassland, the boardwalk splits into two, offering travelers two different experiences. The high road accentuates the rise in topography, giving 360-degree views to the horizon in all directions. Alternatively, the low road takes travelers down into the earth, bringing them eye to eye with the soil surface and drawing focus to the delicate character of plant species, insect activity, and the mineral character of the earth.
⑤ Plaza and Seating Lawn
As the boardwalk sweeps north of the main Library building, a run of gen- erous steps leads down to a multiuse events plaza. Situated at the entrance of the breezeway, this is a moment of arrival and activity. Approaching from the drop-off area, visitors are greeted with an expansive view of the bluff’s grassland. The activity of the café spills into this space, also taking advantage of the view. Seating options include moveable furnishings and the stairs of the boardwalk. An additional lawn seating area offers views of the grassland and boardwalk.
② Grassland Pause
Along the southern edge of the bluff, the boardwalk develops into a series of benches, offering a place to pause and reflect upon the dynamic, stark, and rugged character of the Badlands. In particular, visitors might notice the silver-wooded cedar tree skeletons, remnants of a recent grassland fire.
④ Bridge
The western edge of the project site is dissected by several small drainages that extend upward into the grassland, making an irregular edge to the bluff. The boardwalk spans across these depressions. At the largest expanse, the boardwalk peels back, revealing the timber structure below and the ground beyond. Hammock-like netting fills this opening in the deck and allows for open-air lounging. Air is emphasized here—the breezes, winds, and still, arid summer air of the Badlands. Clouds float overhead as birds fly by.
Living Building Challenge
What if every single act of design and construction made the world a better place?
Sustainability
The Library’s design will reflect and expand upon those values, setting an ambitious new standard for environmental conservation and sustainability leadership.
Native Plant Project
TRPL is sponsoring a notable Native Plant Project in partnership with Resource Environmental Solutions (RES) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) to help restore indigenous plants to the Library’s extensive outdoor spaces.