As part of the French Embassy redevelopment, infrastructure improvements were implemented in the surrounding area. Aokizaka, a steeply sloped alley without a pedestrian walkway was widened to allow local residents to walk in safety. In order for the road to be widened, the existing stone retaining wall of the ambassador's residence had to be set back from its original position and get re-built in reinforced concrete. The panel joint lines brings a sense of scale to the otherwise huge wall, while the special finish exposing the concrete aggregate adds texture to the concrete surface.