This is a very particular building. It has very specific lines, shapes, colors. Nothing has been left to chance. The architect had a very clear plan of what he wanted to accomplish with this building.
That is what is so difficult and so easy about design. Once you know what you want to accomplish, have stated your plan so to speak, from that point onward you are filling in the blanks. This architect wanted a beautifully symmetrical building with strong, masculine contrasting colors and textures. While he had many choices to make, he made them all within the parameters of his plan. This is what resulted: red brick, black wood, bowed windows, black keystones, dark cement between the bricks, etc., etc. If you are asked to designed a product, a speech, a conference you have to create the same sort of plan that will guide all decisions. Understanding the ‘why’ is the hard part. It is much easier after that question is answered to come up with the ‘where’, ‘when’ and how’.