The
goal of the design is to draw attention to and honor one of the ‘Champion’
trees in England’s National Arboretum. The gesture recognizes
the rare opportunity to do an installation within an arboretum. A large,
hollowed earthen mound defines the space around the chosen tree. The
sod covered form ramps up to create a miniature amphitheater. Seen from
the outside, the earthwork is a sculpted object that frames the tree
and distinguishes it from the surrounding grove. Inside the concave
space, the form falls gently to an opening marked by the centerpiece
tree.