Barack Obama’s presidential library in Chicago has become the latest topic of online debate, with critics taking aim at its unconventional design. The structure, crafted from concrete and granite, has drawn comparisons to various fictional settings, notably those from the Star Wars universe.

Social media users have been particularly vocal, likening the library’s design to elements from the iconic films, a villain’s cartoon hideout, and even a trash receptacle. The conversation gained traction after Texas Senator Ted Cruz initiated a thread on X, humorously suggesting that positioning the “Death Star” in Chicago was a daring choice, alluding to the infamous space station helmed by Darth Vader.

Following Cruz’s jest, creative internet users took to Photoshop, superimposing Star Wars X-wing fighters and AT-AT walkers alongside the library. These playful edits have only fueled the discussion, turning the building into a canvas for sci-fi inspired commentary.

‘Locating the Death Star to Chicago was a bold move,’ he joked referring to Darth Vader’s space lair. 

In response, people quickly photoshopped Star Wars X-wing fighters around the building and AT-AT robots with the library photoshopped onto their bodies.

Others edited the building into space to give it a true Star Wars feel. 

People joked that the interior may even resemble the trash compactor that attempted to swallow Leia, Hans Solo, and Luke in the first Star Wars film. 

The building is currently under construction and stands 225 feet tall near Chicago’s iconic Jackson Park.

Barack Obama’s presidential library is facing the wrath of the internet over its design 

Critics, including Senator Ted Cruz, have likened it to structures seen in Star wars films

Some have even said it resembles the evil lair of a cartoon villain

Others even brutally compared it to gray, plastic trash cans

The design for the building was initially unveiled ten years ago and the scrutiny hasn’t died down since.

Some people online suggested that the building is in the style of brutalist architecture, which became popular due to its practicality in the UK and parts of Europe after the Second World War.

‘Forms are as simple as can be and materials are stripped to be as bare and raw as possible,’ architect Geddes Ulinskas, explaining the style, told Architecture Digest.

The apparent inspiration behind the building’s design didn’t stop people from making fun of it.

‘Super villain lair from a comic book. Actually it’s on brand,’ said one commenter. 

‘I have one in my neighborhood too,’ said another, adding a picture of a concrete trash can. 

‘I will never see that without thinking this,’ added another, referring to Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s evil hideaway from the popular children’s cartoon Phineas and Ferb.

Obama’s library deviates from the design of other presidential libraries including Ronald Reagan’s, pictured, which takes a Mission architecture approach in Simi Valley, California

George H W Bush’s library in College Station, Texas, is a slightly more traditional style

JFK’s library in Boston most resembles the towering, brutalist characteristics of Obama’s

Several presidents have had libraries erected in their honor and many have taken a more traditional approach with the architecture.

George H W Bush’s Library, for example, takes a more classic architectural approach. The short building in College Station, Texas, is made with tan stones and lined with American flags. 

Ronald Reagan’s presidential library adopted mission architecture in line with the Latin influences of its California home.

However, John F Kennedy’s library most resembles Obama’s brutalist inspired architecture. The towering building in Boston uses modern windows and simple stones.

Barack Obama’s library will feature only digital files from his presidency

Two of the exterior walls feature words from a speech the former president gave

According to the website, the architecture of Obama’s library ‘echoes movement upward from the grassroots.’

Two of the building’s exterior walls feature words from the former president’s speech on the 50th anniversary of the march on Selma in 2015.

Another non-traditional feature of Obama’s library is its contents.

Most presidential libraries contain files from the subject’s presidency. In Obama’s case, everything will instead be digitalized to reflect the digital age during which he was in office. 

The sprawling campus will have a fruit and vegetable garden, athletics programs, a museum and a Chicago Public Library. 

With construction well under way, it is slated to open next spring.