Located in De Smet, South Dakota, Leading Your Way is a tower-like structure that serves as both a community landmark and a spatial reference point within the prairie landscape. Drawing on the cultural heritage of the region—most notably the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder—the project integrates observation, orientation, and public engagement. Its form and function support a layered visitor experience that emphasizes movement, visibility, and narrative connection to place.

Spatial Strategy and Material Expression
The structure is organized as a vertical sequence of platforms, each offering a distinct perspective of the surrounding environment. The base level provides open communal space, while intermediate landings create rhythm and opportunities for pause. The top platform is enclosed in glass, framing panoramic views of the prairie and reinforcing the project’s relationship to the broader landscape. Circulation is designed to encourage exploration, with light and sightlines guiding users through the structure.

Environmental Approach and Cultural Context
Material choices include exposed wood beams, plywood panels, and metal railings, combining structural clarity with tactile warmth and safety. Glass components introduce natural light and visual openness, while a concrete foundation ensures durability in variable weather conditions. The project employs locally sourced materials and minimizes landscape disruption, aligning with sustainable design objectives. Light is used as a symbolic and practical element, reinforcing the tower’s role as a guidepost within the community.