Department of Forensic Morphology Annex Sculpture

What if I told you there’s a department at the University of Washington dedicated to forensic morphology? A field so new, it only has an annex. This, right here, is the Department of Forensic Morphology Annex Sculpture. It’s not a real department, but a whimsical creation of artist Cris Bruch. The sculpture, a 28-foot-long stainless steel marvel, landed on Parrington Lawn in 2004. It was commissioned by the UW through the Washington State Art Collection. The name, “Department of Forensic Morphology Annex,” is a playful invention. Morphology is the study of form. Forensic relates to criminal evidence. Bruch imagines this future field examining forms for evidence. The sculpture’s design, a dome-like structure of non-standardized shapes, took months to build. Bruch, working with Fabrication Specialties, pushed the boundaries of their craft. He even swore he’d never attempt anything so complex again. The Department of Forensic Morphology Annex Sculpture takes inspiration from two unassuming campus gems. The Theodor Jacobsen Observatory and the F.K. Kirsten Wind Tunnel Building. Like these structures, the sculpture is tucked away, inviting closer inspection. A peek through a cut in the steel reveals a star map, a nod to the observatory. The sculpture’s hazy finish interacts beautifully with light, whether rain or shine. But Bruch recommends a visit on a sunny autumn day, with blue skies and golden leaves. Although, he admits, everything looks great on those days. The durable stainless steel can withstand the occasional reveler’s climb. Bruch jokes about drunk guys doing the Macarena on his artwork. This sculpture is more than just metal and welds. It’s a playful exploration of form, a tribute to hidden gems, and a testament to artistic innovation.