Presenter: Jordan Meyer
Authors: Jordan Meyer
Faculty Advisor: Brandon Ro
Institution: Utah Valley University
Beit Lehi is an archaeological site just outside of Jerusalem that is home to a large city that has been preserved for thousands of years (the first civilization dating back 800 B.C.). Since then, many have followed-- each belonging to one of the three Abrahamic religions. Therefore, an important religious presence for Christianity, Islam, and Jews exists. In addition, sacred Israeli history lies beneath the surface, hiding in subterranean structures built long ago. Some notable discoveries include Samson’s Well, three Byzantine churches, and the tomb of Salome (mother of the Apostle John). After several years of fundraising efforts by the Beit Lehi Foundation from private donors, the organization has become capable of funding a visitor center for the archaeological site. The proposed visitor center will serve as a gateway to a mostly underground experience-- educating the future visitors on the rich history of the site and the progress of ongoing excavations. Visitors will enjoy an introductory film, view discoveries in a grand exhibit space served by a processing lab that continuously is bringing in artifacts. The Beit Lehi Foundation also wishes to have a gift ship, café, kitchen, and outdoor dining area to serve the visitors. As a designer, it was expected that an appropriate design be developed that would be presented to the Beit Lehi Foundation, Israeli government, and the Israel Antiquities Authority. There is also a high priority to balance the shifting design priorities that arise when considering client-user needs, site planning, architectural programming, religious-cultural ideals, and contextual issues.