The exterior of the Academy Building is a consistent representation of its function as a biomedical center. In contrast to ambiguous buildings with designs unrelated to their use, this is an architecture that explicitly accentuates its function. The lecture halls define the typology and are clearly recognizable in the exterior structure.

These typical forms, identifiable in their slope and funnel-shaped alignment, give the building its specific aspect; sloped walls on the upper floors are joined in conical vessels for this effect. The lecture halls are housed within the cones and sheltered within a massive cubic edifice. As the cones taper off towards the ground floor, they create a series of interconnected public zones for use as an entrance hall or exhibition space. Transitions between open and closed spaces are also reflected in the façade. The defining feature of the cones is the cladding in vertical panes, which have more or less transparent glazing depending on their orientation and views. The open areas of the spatial continuum between the cones are enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass panels overlooking the surroundings.

As a result, the Academy Building adopts an effective typological approach that directly draws attention to its function instead of deemphasizing it with a vague and shapeless design.