Border Realm is a permanent public site-specific commission, Rackowe’s largest in the UK to date, completed in January 2025.

Commissioned by British Land for The Optic, a state of the art development at Peterhouse Technology Park, the sculpture explores the building's position as a leading hub for innovation, tech and science.

Set as a landmark beacon to welcome visitors, the perceived shape and mass of this highly optical installation evolves and shifts on approach, creating a dynamic and seeking dialogue between viewer and sculpture.  Referencing Scott Brownrigg's architectural design, the parallel vertical planes of steel are designed to trap colour and reflection, moving upwards as the work bisects the open rolling landscape.

Beyond, the sculpture takes strong inspiration from the edge lands of Cambridge, combining forms drawn from both the urban and industrial surroundings, and the rural spaces into which they flow.   Much of the stone that built historical Cambridge was mined in the open chalk pits minutes from The Optic, and the concept of natural elements gathered and shaped to urban settings through past and future industry underpins the work.

Rackowe grew up in Cambridge, and this is his first permanent public work in the city.

Commissioned by British Land for The Optic