This thesis focuses on the relationship between a building and its contents, how this effects the layout and appearance of the building, and the changing needs of a typology. The typology used in examining this relationship is a library. The site for the project is in Duluth, Minnesota. The theoretical premise of the thesis is that "with changing technologies and social norms, how can we increase the importance of the Public Library and the books it contains without letting either fade into disuse?" The project justification is "Buildings have the ability to focus the attention of the public. Even when things such as books and the internet have have different values in today's society, a well designed library has the ability to sustain a balance and give equal importance to all of its contents."