The sad thing is, only a couple blocks away, the same architects designed the new art department building for the University of Chicago. It's a really nice looking building, with a very similar massing, but not in a park and not as flashy looking. I think its how they got the library job.
Sounds like Barry sent them back the drawing board at some point, I wonder what the first proposal looked like. I am guessing it's not the turd we are looking at now. I am guessing it was far nicer, and probably didn't impose on the park like this thing will do.