The new letters — an excerpt from Obama’s Selma speech — are tough read to me, giving off the lorem ipsum vibes,” Chicago Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bay wrote on LinkedIn, a reference to the Latin placeholder text often used in graphic design templates.
“The words are cut off. The Ts, Ls, and Is are indistinguishable,” former investment banker and best-selling author John LeFevre
“I’m outside the Obama Center museum tower right now
Temple University Professor Jacob Shell also said that the E’s are also “indistinguishable from F’s,” and that “multiple words get disjointed — not just on one plane but two.” Advertisement “Truly, one of the most headache-inducing reading experiences I’ve ever had,”
“They somehow managed to make the Obama presidential library even uglier,” conservative influencer Johnny Maga
” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>said bluntly
. “My gosh.” Advertisement And of course, the bizarre design and nature of the building has spawned several memes online.
” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>noted on X, adding that the structure “Looks like a trash can.”
“We have been trying to reach you about your car warranty,” the side of the building reads in one meme with phony text. Advertisement “If you like your plan, keep your plan. If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor,” the inscription reads in another meme.
Residents cited issues such as the center’s size, architectural style, and potential effects on local traffic and infrastructure. Some said they hoped the design would better reflect the vibrant character of the surrounding South Shore area and offer more open space and amenities for the community.
It is finally slated to open in June after years of delays.
” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Shell said after trying to read the script
The foundation has maintained that the center will be a cultural and economic asset, bringing jobs, tourism and educational opportunities to the region. Officials said construction is ongoing and that further refinements to the project will continue as plans evolve.
The building’s stark appearance has often been likened to the “Death Star” or described as a “concrete tomb.” However, an official from the Obama Foundation clarified in December that the design is intended to symbolize unity, rather than evoke the ominous presence of Darth Vader, the New York Post reports.
Advertisement The 225-foot tower features only a handful of windows, a design choice that Patterson pointed out was intentional.
” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>said bluntly . “My gosh.” Advertisement And of course, the bizarre design and nature of the building has spawned several memes online
“There are not a lot of windows on the building, but that’s intentional because sunlight is just not a friend to the artwork and the artifacts that are going inside of the building,” she said.
Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation and a senior adviser during President Obama’s two terms, highlighted that he has played an active role in shaping the design of his library.
