Barack Obama Presidential Library Concept | Dattner Architects

As an invited participant to envision a future presidential library, Dattner Architects developed a proposal for one of the four finalist university locations.

Located at the eastern terminus of the Midway Plaisance, opposite Jackson Park and adjoining the University of Chicago Campus, the Barack Obama Presidential Library will be a dramatic new landmark for Chicago as well as a world destination. This historic location was the site of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition—the “White City” which had a huge impact on American architecture. The unique round, organically spiraling form—lifted off the greensward on graceful columns—contrasts with former presidential libraries in its rejection of dated monumentality, inflexibility, and formalism. Its innovative structure is transparent and open, accessible, sustainable, and engaged with the surrounding community, city, and region. Visitors and dignitaries can arrive by car, bus or rail. Proximity to the University of Chicago Campus will facilitate scholarly research and informal learning.

The aspirational, rising spiral form grows toward the sky—housing stepped platforms for program functions, and terminating in a ceremonial hall and outdoor roof terraces with 360-degree views. The entire rising roof is planted and accessible—creating a verdant ring seen as a distinctive green “O” from the air. The Barack Obama Presidential Library will be iconic, open, flexible, and inviting—a national resource and valued public amenity for a diverse community, City, State, and Nation.