Following extensive research on the climate, history, and geographical conditions of the site, was challenged to design a museum located on the steep topography of the Salinas River Dam. With a focus on reconnecting with the site’s indigenous people and their use of the river, this museum uses the structure of the dam--infrastructure which both connects and divides the flow of the Salinas River--as the connecting and disconnecting force within the building, allowing visitors to gain perspective on the surrounding nature and large impact the dam has on the site. This museum contrasts the dam itself by gently following the curvature of the dam, reflecting the curves of the topographic contours, and lightly resting on the dam and surrounding site.
COMPOSITE SITE COLLAGE
PLAN AND SECTION HYBRID DRAWING
DAM CURVATURE REFLECTION DIAGRAM
TOPOGRAPHY REFLECTION DIAGRAM
ROOF PLAN
FIRST FLOOR
FINAL MODEL