Labrouste’s Bibliothèque Nationale exhibits both modern and classical elements. In a modern sense, the use of cast iron columns rather than the traditional stone allows the columns to be slender rather than bulky. The vaulted ceilings made of reinforced plaster are new in this architecture. On the other hand, the Bibliothèque Nationale’s interior look of ribbed vaulting, 3×3 grid of domes, along with arcuated windows are classical in style. The windows were large while elegant. In addition, the use of Ionic capitals is significant to this library since Ionic echoes wisdom.