Executive Summary

Background
The Man Who Knew Too Much is a prime example of the hallmarks that came to define Alfred Hitchcock as the master of suspense. Developing an architecture derived from the movie created an opportunity for a themed entertainment experience. 

Site
Located in Rachel, Nevada, a location surrounded with the mystery associated with Area 51, this building will be part of a community of similarly programed themed entertainment buildings influenced by Hitchcock. Seated on the highest point of the site and at the main entrance, this building becomes an icon for the park. Ramps out of the building and the parking entrance and exit surround the building.

Building
The building has a footprint of 55 feet by 55 feet and 200 feet tall. It will include seven levels, one of which is underground. The net occupiable floor area is 8,028 square feet. The exterior shell of the building will be slipped form concrete. The interior sculpture will be constructed with a steel pipe structure with an ETFE skin applied via a minor structural system. The floor slabs will be structured with steel and have a poured concrete finish. There will be four elevators throughout the building in three individual shafts, two of which will stack.

Experience
Encountering various experiences along a linear path transforms a user into three distinct characters taken from Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much. The user will begin as an unknowing character, oblivious to the actual experience ahead of them until they reach the top of the building via a series of elevators. Once the user reaches the top of the building, roughly 200 feet above the ground, the use, for the first time, becomes fully aware of the nature of the interior of the building. They will also gain a voyeuristic vantage point, spying on the unknowing targets approaching the building. The 360 degree view along with the view down into the building through the transparent red panels allows the user to transform into the threat. After a progression down the building and through a series of bridges through the interior sculpture, the user is taken below ground and inside the sculpture for the first time, transforming them into the helpless victim. The user will feel insignificant and overwhelmed by the architecture, giving a feeling of helplessness. As part of an ironic happy ending, popular amongst Hitchcock films, the user will finish their experience through a normal, expected gift shop before exiting the building via a series of exterior ramps back to ground level.

Sustainability
The fabrication of the sculptural interior will be constructed in such a way that reduces waste and time on site. The slipped form concrete exterior is constructed in such a way that reduces waste created by traditional form work. After meeting all prerequisites for LEED certification and investing in appropriate mechanical and local, recyclable materials, this building can, at minimum, become LEED Certified.

Return on Investment
The curious nature of humans will entice users to investigate the building and understand their experience. The ironic gift shop will sell Hitchcock merchandise and add to profits.