This project brings an important social and cultural institution squarely into the 21st century. It accommodates the changing requirements for library collections and makes the collections more accessible to researchers and to the public. The design capitalises on the strong bones of the original building. Restraint is exercised in the range of materials deployed, while the crafting and detail of these materials leads to unexpected richness. The overall complexity off the project has been extremely well handled, resulting in a facility that is rational, legible and inviting to all.