Over the weekend, as I tried to make a clearer image of what the new Library would look like, I made some realizations. First of all, the whole first floor was stairs! That seemed strange to me. And it seemed too symmetrical. 
Several factors relating to the stairs and the symmetry drove me towards this design. I believe it opens up the center area and looks more interesting. I like the new structure so much that I don't think we need the "membrane" that we had before. 
But it was such a tricky structure to draw that I had to make a model. Perfect medium. I think Jamie might throw this into a 3D applet.The shaft in the center is like an elevator only without the elevator car.
