Aspire

Aspire is a red and orange steel sculpture on the Jubilee Campus of the University of Nottingham that rises approximately 60 meters into the sky. It features a hyperboloid structure with a diameter of about 5 meters at its base and appears as an elegant tower reaching upward.

The steel sculpture was constructed in 2008 and required 23 weeks of fabrication before being installed on the university campus. This project was part of a larger development of the Jubilee Campus and marked a milestone in the site's architectural growth.

The work carries a name that emerged from a competition among university members, reflecting the institution's engagement with contemporary art. Visitors can see how the title connects to the sculpture's form and its role within the campus environment.

The sculpture is illuminated after dark and remains freely accessible to visitors within the university grounds. The work sits on the wider campus, so visitors should allow time to walk the paths and locate it among the surrounding buildings.

The sculpture weighs approximately 850 tonnes and requires a deep concrete foundation to remain stable. Its height and weight represent a significant engineering achievement that presented unique challenges during planning and construction.

Location: City of Nottingham

Inception: July 14, 2008

Made from material: metal

GPS coordinates: 52.95154,-1.18462

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43