Snøhetta designs research library at Temple University

The architecture firm Snøhetta released renderings of a new research library at Temple University, according to Dezeen. 

On one hand, with open spaces, study areas, and a green roof, the new facility will help people rethink what a research library even is. 

"Snøhetta's design challenges the traditional typology of the research library solely as a repository for books and archives, and instead provides a diversity of spaces that will spark chance encounters, enable collaboration, and encourage knowledge-sharing amongst its users," the firm said in a statement.

But then again, the library will contain a lot of books. Two million volumes can be accessed by an automated retrieval system that will fetch books stored two stories above ground and two stories below. So yes, it will still be a repository for books and archives.

The building will include a domed atrium, arched wooden entrances, vertical sections of rough stone, and large panels of pleated frameless glass.

The 225,000-sf library is expected to open in 2018. Snohetta is working in collaboration with architecture and engineering firm Stantec.