From the competition brief:

"Information Brokering
The exceptional nature of "Topographie of Terror" doesn't lie in its exhibtion but in its relationship with the historic site at which it is shown and from which it emanates. Here "Topographie of Terror" also distinguishes itself from the Jewish Museum and the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe. The foundation "Topographie of Terror" opts for solutions that give priority to the site and its historic traces: the site is not the open space for the building, but the building arises at this location and due to the relevance of the site. The placement of the building shall be developed out of the access to the site and from the traces of its Nazi history. An attempt to balance between building and site can be attempted, offering to the visitor the opportunity to first explore the site and then the building or vice versa."