The building is placed on one of the capital's most prominent corners, directly facing Oslo's most important and central public space - with the Parliament and the National Theatre in close proximity. The buildings along the two streets that meet at this corner represent a wide range of historical styles. The intention of the design has been to give the new building a contemporary, as well as a timeless expression, interacting with the complex urban context in which the building is situated, creating an architectural dialogue between the present and the past. The neighboring 1890's building has been fully restored and integrated with the new structure.