The new James B. Hunt Jr. Library is among the most celebrated new buildings on campus. Snøhetta worked closely with NCSU to challenge the historically conservative context of the University by building a contemporary building on a campus of brick and mortar buildings and also providing provocative program solutions in a campus generally defined by property lines and platonic interior planning. The design team was also challenged to balance the dual desires for a powerful central open space and an iconic new building that will serve as the lynch pin in the development of NCSU’s new Centennial Campus. Snøhetta collaborated closely with the University to re-inform the existing campus master plan and to facilitate a transition from a formal, symmetrical language to an informal, pastoral green which opens up views to Lake Raleigh. Continual meetings with the Library staff, students, educators, technology specialists and the University Architect ensured the new project met the University’s goals. The Hunt Library is also a successful example of a budget and spatial challenge resulting in a effective design solution that improved its context. During our work, 11 million dollars were removed from the construction budget toward the end of schematic design as a result of state budget cuts due to the State’s financial crisis. Snøhetta, together with the client and the Construction Manager worked successfully to resolve the issue. A cost analysis was done to the adjusted functional arrangement options and it was determined that by implementing and submerging the library’s Automated Book retrieval system below grade by 50% there was not only a significant cost savings despite the added excavation, but a more functional and efficient building. The building represents a progressive and distinctive architectural exploration while also working within very restrictive institutional budget limitations.