The building embraces the theme of neighbouring mansions in addressing its principal façade towards the river rather than to the street. Facing the forecourt of Old Chancellor Day Hall, the new pavilion becomes the principal entrance to the Faculty campus.

The library has allowed the Faculty to double its collection and to re-equip its operations with state-of-the-art technology. The internal planning is generated by the integration of functional organization, spatial sculpting and human scale. Vertical penetration of diffused natural light ties the various study areas together through the upper three floors.