Full-scale construction of the Old University Library began in February 2017. The work is scheduled to last two years and four months through to May 2019.
There are two key objectives of the construction work, the first is to improve earthquake resiliency which was lacking in the original structure. For this, seismic retrofitting techniques have been employed—this involves the extremely complex process of digging underneath the building to install base isolation devices to add strength to the existing structure, which will greatly increase resistance against the impact of seismic forces. The second objective is conservation and restoration work of the deteriorated parts, including the exterior and interior of the building and the roof.
The construction is subsidized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as a conservation project of an important cultural property of Japan’s modernization process. A designated operations chief is recording the progress of the construction and assessing the kind of building materials that were originally used to make sure that the construction is conducted in a proper manner to preserve and protect one of Japan’s cultural heritages.