The new Law Institute of Victoria building will seek to establish a new "destination" in the city.

Designed by H2o architects, the six-storey long narrow building will replace an existing car park with offices and space.

Architect Tim Hurburgh said the building would have an origami-inspired, shiny and folded facade designed to provide visual prominence through capturing and reflecting the light as it falls on the facade at varying angles.

"The building only receives light on north face, we wanted a facade that was modelled, so that it would pick up the sunlight and visually come alive," he said.

The Law Institute commissioned the $10 million project after a series of feasibility studies.

H2o architects were given the project having already worked with the institute on their main heritage-listed building, designed in the early 1960's.

"It had opening windows, which is unusual, because most high rise buildings don't. We were asked to upgrade the building and produce a new fit out for the premises," said Hurburgh.

When designing the new building, Hurburgh said they had to get as much accommodation as possible in the limited space, which meant they had to work hard on the layout, along with a new back entrance, on little Bourke Street.