When first entering the gallery viewers find an empty pedestal and a large viewing window. When viewers gaze through the window, they find the once empty pedestal occupied by a small three-dimensional live model of SFMOMA. As they observe the replica, cars and buses drive past on the pedestal and people walk in and out of the front doors. Sunlight illuminates the brick exterior of the small model and casts shadows as the day progresses.

Replica uses an innovative system that integrates architecture, live video and an imaging technique which is hundreds of years old.

A video stream from outside the structure feeds into a small video projection device below the viewing window. Most of the surrounding city is blacked out. To combine the image of the SFMOMA with the top surface of the pedestal, a large reflective glass plate is used. This plate reflects the image coming from the rear-projection screen and makes the image seem to float above the pedestal. The use of reflective glass to combine views has been used for centuries in optical drawing devices. This method of combination is viewable in all lighting situations so the gallery lights can remain unchanged. Optically, viewing Replica is similar to viewing an actual object on the pedestal. This technique ensures that multiple, simultaneous observers, including those with glasses, are able to see this combined view.