The design for the downtown branch library derived from wanting to place trees in the middle of the urban environment. Structural columns are pushed to the perimeter of the building, creating a forest of columns with full height glass windows and concrete. Initially, glulam was to be the column material, but with LA weather conditions, the material was altered to steel with wood veneer.

To control light in a branch library, the structural columns have varying depths and act as the shading system. When columns expand or contract, it creates a unique gradient of columns. This gradient controls entry points, light to fill the space, and views into the building.

The basement level houses the auditorium and book archives, while a reading area is by the glass window, allowing light to cast down. Outside of the building is where an entry to the subway system. The first floor gives room for a classroom and study rooms, while the second level houses the books and computers. An exterior cafe is placed in a grouping of columns to bear the weight but also set a disruption in the gradient of columns.