Observatory

University of Derby 1997

12m dia x 1.5 m Earthworks and granite

Derby University commissioned Archer to make an environmental work for the courtyard of one of its residences. The site gave the opportunity to bring earthworks into Archer’s sculptural vocabulary. He integrated the creation of the circular earth bank with the position of existing trees and made a granite gateway to the interior space. In the centre is a sculptural seating ring with a textured surface. The work provides a quiet area for students to gather and look at the night sky.