DESCRIPTION: The design is a study of multiple dichotomies of that which is buried and that which is uncovered; of nature versus man-made; and at a more representative level, the reason versus passion which defines the science of archaeology. The museum will be gently nestled in the forest. Hence, the section of a tree cell is examined microscopically, and used as the modular basis of the architecture. Hexagonal modules represent these tree cells, which form the structural basis of the building. The cells grow, combine and generate into a new organic form through controlled studies, subtracting and recomposing, multiplying and layering, until the entire structure bridges the lowest and highest parts of the site. These structural elements are sometimes solid, and sometimes void to allow for light to penetrate into the building. The melding of these modules when they are in contact with the atmosphere forms the skin of the building. This skin, loosely draped over the structure, allows the building to float in nature. Nature, which is subtracted from the site, will now be filled with the man-made organism that resembles it. The rest of the site will once again be filled with indigenous vegetation so that the transition between nature and nurtured appears seamless. (Team: byn + Ana Marti Baron + TinMin Fong + Jennifer Lee)