A design by Norwegian architect Snøhetta has been selected as the winner of a competition for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.
It was announced in May that Snøhetta was one of three finalists for the library, alongside Henning Larsen of Denmark and Chicago-based Studio Gang.
Snøhetta will work with a North Dakotan executive architect and construction management team on finalising the project.
The library, which will house the former president’s archive, will be integrated into the North Dakotan Badlands, with a slim, sloping roof offering views of the National Park, Little Missouri River valley and the Elkhorn Ranch.
The main library building rises from the butte, echoing the landscape, with multiple small pavilions offering spaces for reflection and activity.
Roosevelt lived in North Dakota between September 1883 and February 1884, and returned there every year until his death in 1919.
Melani Walton, a National Park Foundation board member, said: "Snøhetta’s thoughtful design captures the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt and why he came to the Badlands.
"Roosevelt came to North Dakota for solace and solitude; the Badlands healed and renewed him, and gave rise to a newfound resiliency. In return, he led our country as the 26th president and dramatically expanded our national park system."
Attempts were made throughout the 20th century to start the project in New York, but these came to nothing.
There are currently 13 official presidential libraries with a 14th planned for for Barack Obama in Chicago.
Images courtesy of Snøhetta
