studio gang’s basecamp design for the theodore roosevelt presidential library in north dakota

the library emerges from the land as if carved away by water and wind.

sofia lekka angelopoulou August 19, 2020 3 min

studio gang has conceived the theodore roosevelt presidential library as a basecamp embedded in the north dakota badlands. designed together with OLIN, the proposal takes its cues from the surrounding landscape’s rock formations, emerging from the land as if carved away by water and wind. studio gang was one of three teams, together with henning larsen and snøhetta, chosen to present its proposal for the library. snøhetta’s design eventually came out on top.

studio gang's basecamp design for the theodore roosevelt presidential library in north dakota all images by labtop rendering, courtesy of studio gang

studio gang and OLIN‘s proposal for the theodore roosevelt presidential library includes a building composed of three, horseshoe-shaped elements that organize the different functions of the library. each element encloses distinct activities while simultaneously embracing the dramatic outdoor environment. protected gardens and terraces are created at several areas of the building, which offer varied views of the landscape, showcase native plant communities, and provide habitat for wildlife. at the same time, the spaces between the volumes act like the cracks in the badlands’ clay-rich soil, allowing light and air to enter the interior.

the three horseshoe elements tilt upward to form a grand, dome-like central space at the heart of the building. from there, all the activities of the library can be seen and explored. the project is complete with passive and active green strategies that work together to achieve a net-zero, carbon-neutral library with plenty of natural light and fresh air. in addition, the design integrates an ecological restoration and management plan for the entire site that will heal and renew the surrounding ecosystems over time, making the library a living model for how people, wildlife, and agriculture can coexist and thrive.

interior view of the central space of the library

‘our design, basecamp, is inspired by T.R.’s dual love of learning and the outdoors,’ explains jeanne gang, founder of studio gang. ‘as the first presidential library attached to a national park, the project is poised to foster greater understanding, environmental stewardship, and healing in one of north america’s most incredible natural places. intimately connected with the ecology of the north dakota badlands, basecamp will at once draw people inward for intellectual exchange and direct them outward for physical exploration, allowing them to discover new connections with each other and the natural world.’

studio gang's basecamp design for the theodore roosevelt presidential library in north dakota model