The D5 department building belongs to a three-part complex designed by architects Holzer Kobler Architekturen and Freimüller Söllinger Architektur. The new “Campus Messestrasse” complex also houses the Sigmund Freud University and a student residence hall run by the housing provider Akademikerhilfe. The homogeneous design of the façade gives the building a sculptural character. The D5 building is made up of three constituent parts. Even though these three segments combine to form a coherent whole, they differ greatly in design and purpose. The inner courtyard serves as a communicative area, offering trees, seating installations, and a view of the Prater Park.

As in most buildings on campus, all directly study-related areas are located on the ground floor and the first upper level. This includes an auditorium, seminar rooms, and a large area for independent study. The building also houses 143 offices for department staff. The D5 building complements the campus infrastructure with a bank and a restaurant.