Our project is built around the idea of creating a visual and physical axis that guides visitors through the site, offering carefully framed views from specific, intentional points within the building. Originally designed as a large opening, the central arch was inspired by the historical forms relevant to the Battle of Monocacy, symbolizing a gateway between the past and present. The arched volume has since been reimagined as a suspended structure, seamlessly integrated with the roof’s rainwater collection system.

Once visitors engage with the primary axis, they are exposed to a secondary, perpendicular axis that intersects at the center of the building's mass. This intersection serves as a critical decision point where visitors can either enter the gallery, immersing themselves in the exhibits, or proceed further to the overlook, where expansive views of the battlefield await. This dual-axis design enhances the narrative of discovery, allowing visitors to choose their own path and experience the site in a dynamic, interactive way.