The structure is "tuned" to eliminate vibration frequencies that would interfere with the sensitive imaging process. On this difficult hillside site, adjacent to other laboratories, the building plan is oriented to fit the contours and it bends to face a common entry courtyard.

The apparent size of the building is kept consistent with its smaller neighbors by using three different colors for the basic elements of its mass (offices, labs, and mechanical). A glass chandelier by artist Dale Chihuly (inspired by electron microscope photographs of actual neurons) emphasizes the vertical space of the stairway.