The new entrance hall, roughly 1,300 m2 in area, links the level of the raised boulevard with that of the public street and trams. The minimal steel-and-glass structure forms a bold contrast to the solid concrete construction of the adjoining university. The internal space affords shelter from the elements, but is not air conditioned. In addition to the broad staircase, it contains small shops, a glazed lift and a media wall. The roof of the 15-metre-high hall is borne by six V-shaped columns, and six hinged columns on the existing building. At the feet of the tubular steel columns are stainless-steel ball and socket bearings. The roof construction, consisting of an orthogonal, welded system of primary and secondary beams that form a rigid horizontal diaphragm, also bears the tension loads from the vertical cables that support the facade glazing.