Inspired by the rich history of the library as an institution, the re-design of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library was to be conceptualized using another historically significant institution as a metaphor. With a goal of creating spaces that facilitate communication among its users, the program of a Marketplace made it a logical choice for metaphorical comparison. 

Various iterations of the Marketplace throughout history were explored and ultimately the Market Hall was used as a precedent. Throughout the design phase, careful consideration was was given to the metaphor to ensure that architectural characteristics of a market hall, including an open plan, accessibility and flexibility, were all present in the new space.