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The Eisenhower Education Center is a cross-curricular, educational outreach hub supported by The Eisenhower Foundation and grounded in the values of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The organization offers virtual, in-person, and outreach programming for K-12 students that frames current socio-political affairs through the lens of Eisenhower’s far-reaching—and still impactful—presidential initiatives. Now, it has a purpose-built facility to call home.
Located between the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Eisenhower’s family burial site and directly across the quad from the Eisenhower Boyhood Home, it was crucial that the new Education Center respond to and complement the existing campus architecture. The design approach was based around humility, simplicity, and efficiency: three qualities inspired by Eisenhower’s leadership style.
Compositionally, the floor plan responds to local terrain, using a simple layout of two ellipses and two rectangles to mimic recurring forms seen on the presidential campus and while traveling through the Kansas plains. The building’s volume and height match that of existing campus structures, maintaining a deep respect for the continuity of the site and upholding the responsibility of residing on a presidential campus.
The exterior façade is constructed from regionally sourced Kansas limestone, placing it in direct conversation with its neighboring limestone buildings. Adding a refined touch of modernity and elegance, floor-to-ceiling windows encircle the structure, just behind the limestone façade. Excluding the Immersion Theater, every programming space has direct access to natural light and views of the presidential campus.
Balancing formality with approachability was key for a space that is functionally geared towards children and young adults. On all four sides, the building’s roof extends over the façade, creating a wraparound porch effect that welcomes guests into the space. Constant access to natural light helps blur the line between interior and exterior, expanding a sense of possibility around the central Exploration Hall.
Engagement sessions with the organization’s educators and administrators, The Eisenhower Foundation board members, Abilene city officials, and local school board members helped the design team understand how the facility could be an asset for the whole community. For every group, agility was a primary requirement for the new building.
Classroom spaces can contract or expand as needed, with the ability to open onto the central Exploration Hub for larger programming initiatives. Additionally, an emphasis on timeless, tactile experiences was important to ensure the longevity and versatility of the learning spaces.
The physical programming and exhibit spaces are augmented with robust digital learning accessories, allowing the Eisenhower Education Center team to connect virtually with schools across the nation and world. The Global Studio features a technology lab for educators to record podcasts and lessons to share digitally.
At the center of the building, the fully enclosed Immersive Theater projects media in a 360-degree experience that transports guests back in time, establishing historical context for Eisenhower’s term. On the east side, guests can visit a to-scale replica of the Oval Office as it looked during Eisenhower’s presidency. This space can also be transitioned into a boardroom for administrative needs.
The Eisenhower Education Center’s unique mission and expansive educational opportunities required a versatile, thoughtful, and contextually sensitive design approach. Harnessing the boundless knowledge of The Eisenhower Foundation’s administrative and educational teams established a clear framework for the design team to deliver a cohesive yet expressive addition to the existing campus.
