According to Philly Magazine, Snøhetta, an international design and architectural organization, released several projected renderings of the new Temple University library on Tuesday, January 26. The site of the undertaking is situated smack dab in the heart of the school’s large campus on Liacouras Walk. Construction is expected to reach completion by the fall of 2018.

The new library, the design of which will reflect ancient Greek academic institutions, is being erected on Liacouras Walk between Montgomery Avenue and Norris Street. The establishment will feature an event hall, a resource center equipped with cutting-edge technology and gathering spaces intended to, in the words of one of Snøhetta’s architects, “spark chance encounters, enable collaboration…and encourage knowledge-sharing amongst its users.”

There will be more than two million books and an accompanying automated retrieval system.

Last year the Civic Design Review (CDR) lauded the progress of Snøhetta’s venture. Cecil Baker, one of the board members of the CDR, was especially complimentary.  “I see your project and I get filled with hope,” he said.

Snøhetta anticipates the library will have a very hospitable and courteous atmosphere. “The lobby, café, central atrium and 24/7 zone, which is unimpeded by security checkpoints, will welcome in the surrounding community as well as Temple students,” Snøhetta said.

Snøhetta is anxiously awaiting official approval from a building certification program known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).