I can see why dark grey brick isn't popular with everybody, but I'm very optimistic that the Study will turn out beautifully. I believe that DIGSAU used a very similar material on the campus bookstore at UDel a few years ago.
Image credit:
Halkin Mason Photography
Plus, I think the Study will be a great complement to the Papadakis Science Building, Chestnut Square, and Penn's new Hill Field house. LA would be so lucky if we could get such a nicely-designed building around downtown.