The model above is an abstract site model, reflecting the varied levels of the site, the enclosed nature due to the hills, chaotic movement, and views throughout the area.

The site plan shows the lowering of the building into the ground, alluding to the nature of archaeology itself. It includes three separate digs: one in the front of the building that would be easily accessible to the public both visually and physically, another underground that could be overlooked by visitors, and a third that is only accessible by workers on site but is visually accessible by visitors from the outside. These digs are placed in three separate areas, all focused on uncovering industrial materials that remain from the water works building. In addition to the dig sites, the program of the archaeology center includes an archaeology gallery, laboratories, administrative offices, and bathrooms.

It was important that the building be both accessible and visible from the street, by cars and pedestrians. The form of the roof, which was derived from geometric connections in plan, provide shading to the front of the building while allowing daylight penetration into the gallery space through skylight openings between them.

 

The section drawings show the integration of the building into the site, referencing an archaeologist’s penetration into the ground. This gives visitors a direct relationship with the discovery of artifacts, bringing them below the ground to provide them with an intimate experience with the discoveries.