Elevating the building over the river is a concept that evolved.

"Initially we thought we would make the building face the river. Then we realized the view to the west was the compelling one. So we lifted it and turned it. And everyone loved it," says Olcott.

President Clinton reviews architectural and design plans for the Clinton Presidential Center.

One of the key challenges was how to make the Clinton Presidential Center feel open, light and inviting while still protecting precious papers and artifacts from harmful ultraviolet light and temperature variations. To accomplish the goal, the architects used a sophisticated type of glass that eliminates ultraviolet light and dramatically reduces solar heat gain on the building. To further protect the historical materials, the archives are located at or below grade and beyond the flood plain, and the building is equipped with state-of-the-art security, fire safety, and temperature and humidity controls.

Openness is central to the overall design-from the use of glass which implies accessibility to the historic materials to the large sweeping rooms which allow visitors to wander and linger in areas of most interest to them. "This library really can be seen as a place where you can go and find the information you want; in the way you want to view it. You're not forced to go along a chronological path. It's the most interactive of any of the presidential libraries," says Olcott.

Polshek Partnership has many accolades to its credit, including the award winning Rose Center for Earth and Space at the Natural History Museum in New York, The New York Times printing plant,