The international architecture firm Snøhetta has recently completed the new James B. Hunt Jr. Library, a state-of-the-art library that is part of North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. The building serves as the state's second main library as well as the campus' main one. Alongside its main usage as a library, the building also houses political think-tank the Institute for Emerging Issues, academic offices and an auditorium.

Located inside a mostly traditional campus, the James B. Hunt Jr. Library fluidly articulates with its surroundings regardless of its contemporary look. Generous open spaces connect all floors of the library and coloured open stairs emphasise an interactive and social environment alongside more focused study areas. The building features “disruptive” learning spaces with colourful, dynamic furnishings, alongside more traditional study rooms. "The design recognizes the power of chance encounters and celebrates the role of physical space in the intellectual stimulation of its users," state the architects.

The building’s façade of fritted glass and fixed external aluminum shading system help diminish heat gain while maximising views of the nearby lake and outdoor areas. Interior spaces are generously permeated by natural light. The Norwegian architecture firm was also responsible for the landscape design of adjacent areas of the building, seamlessly linking the nearby lake with the western edge of the campus.

The library features a series of advanced technology enhancements, such as the 5-storey robotic bookBot automated retrieval system, which holds two million volumes in 1/9 of conventional shelving space. A few of the building's features also give faculty and students hands-on experience with large-scale visualisation tools. As an example, the Game Lab supports NC State’s Digital Games Research Center by providing an experimental commons to explore collaborative game design and the role of gaming in education; and the library’s Teaching and Visualisation Lab, Creativity Studio, 3D printing workshop and extensive digital media production facilities enable faculty and students with rapid prototyping, modeling, and visualization capabilities.