Like the company's Shiodome Media Tower headquarters Building, the new center is designed to be "simple, solid, and functional." It not only serves as a safe and dependable center of learning, it is also designed to function as a backup headquarters for Kyodo News in the event of a natural disaster. The building occupies an extremely attractive site fronting the Sumida River, and it was essential that the structural design take full advantage of the local environment. The "news art salon," a gallery devoted to news photography, was placed on the first floor and forms a public space that opens directly onto the riverbank area. Classrooms were located on the second floor, surrounding a tranquil inner courtyard designed to harmonize beautifully with the waterfront scenery. Moreover, all of the guest rooms for overnight accommodation on the third and fourth floors look out across the river and command wonderful views of downtown Tokyo.