The dense structural grid of the bookshelves was extended and assumed the role of the building structure. This initial operation granted the two main objectives of the design: exposing the spatial presence of the books throughout the building and maintaining that presence through time. By inserting the public functions, such as reading rooms, meeting areas etc. into the book mass, the public can experience the body of the library even if most of the book stacks are archives and not accessible directly.

The competition brief suggested an adjacent building for future expansion, mostly for book storage. The proposed design, while adhering to the requirements of the brief, is composed of five meter floor to ceiling height which results in a larger volume. This enlarged volume enables the building to expand within its envelope by adding partial floors slabs. This interior growth allows each department to expand organically and independently from other departments and double its size.