For this project, I was tasked with designing a music library in Washington, D.C. The design contrasts with the surrounding area through its overall shape and material use. I was given a word to guide the design and chose 'shear.' The building features a heavy timber structure that follows a shear form, with multiple flat faces that push in and out from floor to floor. This concept of shear is reflected not only in the exterior but also in the interior, where variations in elevation appear beneath select bookshelves, seating areas, and entire floor platforms. Heavy timber, along with a live tree inside the building, was chosen to create a natural ambiance that fosters relaxation while visitors read and listen to music.