# Modern Greek Antiquity Libraries Snøhetta's Philadelphia University Atheneum Offers a Plaza Design By M | Published 2016-01-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-atheneum References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2016/01/26/temple-university-library-snohetta-architects-philadelphia-usa/) & [snohetta](http://snohetta.com/) Talented design firm [Snøhetta](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/far-rockaway-library) recently put together the new university atheneum construction for the [Philadelphia University's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sounds-of-philadelphia) [Temple University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/largescale-installation) campus location. The library hones in on its research-oriented focus with a nod to traditional Greek architectural antiquity coupled with a contemporary design interpretation. The space offers a plaza meeting area for students to work and research as well as a slew of other amenities. The library offers a grand design scheme coupled with traditional and ancient sources of inspiration dating back to monuments and buildings from the Greco-Roman era. The lobby of the atrium features large arches, terrazzo floors and traditional library stacks coupled with modern amenities such as automated novel retrieval and a green roof for outdoor studying. The space encourages the exchange of ideas in a communal atmosphere supporting collaboration and research. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Traditional-contemporary Architecture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design firms can explore blending traditional architectural elements with modern interpretations to create unique and visually striking structures. - **Research-focused Libraries:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Libraries can prioritize research-oriented spaces and amenities, including automated retrieval systems and outdoor studying areas, to enhance students' learning and collaboration experiences. - **Communal Collaboration Spaces:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: The creation of communal meeting areas within libraries can foster idea exchange and collaboration among students, encouraging a more vibrant and interactive learning environment. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Design & Architecture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design firms can explore new design approaches and materials to redefine modern architectural aesthetics, meeting the evolving needs and preferences of clients and users. - **Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Educational institutions can invest in research-focused libraries and collaborative spaces, equipping students with cutting-edge resources and spaces that promote active learning and collaboration. - **Library Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Companies can develop and implement advanced library technologies like automated retrieval systems and digital research platforms to optimize efficiency and enhance user experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Script-Covered Library Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/far-rockaway-library.md) - [Juxtaposing Angular Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brixen-public-library.md) - [Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graded-school-library.md) - [Cultural Green Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green.md) - [Bright Residential Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plaka-house.md) - [Memory-Grounded School Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rahmah-library.md) - [Textured Local Stone Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-atrium-house.md) - [Arched Opening Village Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pkinception.md) - [Stars-Inspired Elliptical Planetariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planetarium-design.md)