Observatory is an immersive installation that uses bluestone to explore Melbourne's colonial past and the cultural residues embedded in its architecture. Carved from bluestone, a material rich with historical significance, the installation invites viewers to reflect on how this stone shaped Melbourne's identity during the colonial era. Through its use in the city's infrastructure, bluestone serves as a physical reminder of the imposition of colonial power.

Visitors are encouraged to engage with the material's historical weight and connection to the broader dialogue of colonialism, architecture, and cultural memory as they move through the space. By situating bluestone in a contemporary context, the installation underscores how such materials can evoke reflection on Melbourne's colonial legacy and its ongoing impact on the city's cultural landscape.

Bluestone has been crucial in shaping Melbourne's architectural and colonial history. Quarried locally from volcanic rock, bluestone became widely used in the mid-19th century, especially during Melbourne's Gold Rush period when the city’s rapid growth demanded sturdy materials for construction. Bluestone was used to build iconic structures such as the Old Melbourne Gaol, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Melbourne's cobbled laneways.