The idea of what a wall is and does became the driver for this project. From functioning as a retaining wall, to separating space, to becoming storage, to being a part of the critical algae drying process used in research on site, the wall concept develops as a unique feature to the entire design. The Visitor’s Center becomes the first view of the algae fields, and frames them through a divide in the wall. This orients viewers and sets up an understanding of the scale of the site. The Research Complex is arranged to allow for intercommunication between the three buildings in the piazza through overlapping circulation spaces. Each building faces the courtyard looking through the glass facades of the other structures, encouraging interaction among researchers. The understanding of “wall” becomes an integral part of the design on multiple scales and through varying functions.