‘Sitelines’ proposes a comprehensive vision for a an ecological zone and observation tower along the historic Highway 14 corridor through De Smet, South Dakota. In this newly imagined prairie and wetland landscape- also home to the 19th century Ingalls-Wilder homestead- culture, ecology, and experience are woven together with the complex dynamics of place, environment, and community. Thoughtful pathways and boardwalks connect the city of De Smet, highway 14, and the Big Slough, Silver Lake, and De Smet Forest to a signature lookout tower, pollinator garden and smaller observation platform.

Together this network serves the local and visitor communities with a gradient of enriching experience that honors natural infrastructure, the De Smet community, and the Prairie pothole region. The vertical program provides an unfolding set of experiences with the landscape and literary history of the site through the words of Laura Ingalls-Wilder and strategic wayfinding elements. At the base of the tower, the internal ramp and circulation paths converge into a raised boardwalk the extends the architectural and landscape experience across the boundary between the Big Slough and shimmering surface of the Silver Lake.