The architects veered away from creating
a glass, greenhouse-like object on flat ground, typical of previous
European structures influenced by the 19th century Crystal Palace.
Instead the design merges with the existing berms while burying
itself into the ground, thereby reducing the height of the building
and creating fill for additional berms. This simple maneuver
defines the interior spaces, provides surfaces for planting,
and allows the architects to frame views and bring in daylight
in interesting ways through the opening of gaps in the sloping
earth.
