Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune David Hall at his office in Provo, Tuesday June 14, 2016. Nearly 150 scientists and engineers are working for Hall intent on solving technical and social challenges for building a futuristic enclave modeled on Joseph Smith's Plat of the City of Zion. Research focuses on everything from low-impact toilets, new building materials and cooperative economic systems to methods for high-intensity food production. At right is an enclosure for limiting radio interference.