The formal organization for the building responds to its important location between the orthogonal geometry of Holmes Field and the asymmetries and inflections of Harkness Commons. The resulting composite form of the building thus combines a bar-like element to the south and a semi-circular volume on the north. The rectangular bar defines the quadrangle, and features an entry arch, reminiscent of Richardson’s nearby Austin Hall, which is centered on an allee of mature oak trees. The drum-like volume of the building, responding to Harkness Commons, contains the amphitheater-like lecture halls and provides variety in the form and organization of the faculty offices above.

The duality of the spatial organization facilitates the accommodation of two distinct working styles of the professors, some of whom wished for adjoining offices with a collaborative, departmental feel, while others required isolated, secluded offices. The conflicting demands are accommodated by a plan which groups collaborative offices with their shared secretarial pool and community space in the curved volume on the north, and a band of individual offices in a linear alignment facing the quad to the south.