Completed in 1993, by Edmond and Corrigan Pty Ltd in association with The Demaine Partnership,[1] Building 8 is noted for its highly eclectic and ornamented design that draws from Melbourne history, and is considered one of the city's most prominent examples of postmodern architecture.

On the interior, the building shares much of the aesthetic that comprises its exterior, eschewing a traditional rectangular plan in favour of a more chaotic, polygonal layout.

While the building is open to the public, use of services such as printing or library loans may require the use of a student issued identity card.

As the Union Building was already showing signs of load failure, this called for the creation of a special light-weight granite curtain wall facade in order to minimize weight as much as possible.

As an example of Postmodern architecture, Building 8, in particular its facade, is a combination of various design elements borrowed from Melbourne's history.