The Davidson Center is located within the precincts of an Umayyad-period palace excavated in the area of the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, across from the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount. This palace is one of four that were erected at the site by the Umayyad khalifs and served as administration centers as well as for dwelling. IAA archaeologists excavated the palaces down to their original floor level, discovering five storerooms below ground level. Four of these were chosen as the location of the Davidson Center.

The Concept of this project was to preserve and enhance the remains of the ancient structure in a way that would set it apart from the modern construction. Innovative technology enabled the use of light materials, such as wood, glass and steel, contrasting the massiveness of the ancient stone walls. The descending ramps are constructed of steel and wood, large areas are walled with glass and steel roofs hover above the ancient walls.

The Challenge set before the architects was to convert these elongated, roofless, rectangular spaces, each approximately 5 x 20 m and 7 m deep, into a functional building, preserving ancient elements while providing comfortable access to the public. Another objective was to keep the level of the building's roofs at the same level as that of the palace floors, in order to maintain a low silhouette and minimal interference with the layout of the Archaeological Park. Indeed, most of the building is located below ground level.

On entering the building, just before descending the first ramp, a final glimpse of the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount is offered through an oculus. This oculus, built of steel and glass, is a unique architectural element, marking upon the surface the existence of a 21st century building.

A system of ramps affords easy access down to the floor level of the storerooms. This mode of gradual descent reflects the descendence in time, enhanced by the alternating stone layers of ancient walls housing the exhibitions.