The transparency and weightlessness of the glass facade allows for the continual reading of the old through the new. The existing facade was restored exactly as it was and the structure of the existing building was reinforced structurally against earthquakes. This new lounge area has a columnless interior, the glass facade supported only by vertical fire resistant steel supports. Because of its transparency and weightlessness it reads as part of the terraced exterior courtyard space.
In addition to the insertion of these glass volumes, concrete volumes and glass facade, Ando inserted two beautifully crafted wood cylinders into what used to be the reading room and is now the Children's Book Museum on the third floor. The form of these cylinders follows the form of the existing molding on the ceiling and defines smaller, more intimate, exhibition spaces within the larger room. When seen from outside of the room, they are provocative objects within a traditional space of white plaster moldings.