The Arch for Arch is an architectural structure and monument located in Cape Town, South Africa, created to commemorate the life and work of Desmond Tutu.[1] Commissioned by Design Indaba and sponsored by Liberty, it's name is a play on Tutu's widely used nickname, "The Arch."[2]. A smaller version of the monument is located in Johannesburg, South Africa at Constitution Hill.
Background
editIn 2016, Design Indaba CEO, Ravi Naidoo, was approached by Cape Town mayor, Patricia De Lille,[3] with the task of creatively honouring the former Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Through discussions with sponsor, Liberty, and input from Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta and Johannesburg-based urban design firm, Local Studio, the Arch for Arch was conceptualised. The wooden monument was envisioned as a public celebration of Tutu's legacy and impact on the people of South Africa.[4]
Architecture and location
editAs much a tribute to the values of the South African Constitution as it is a tribute to Tutu, the 14 arches also serve to highlight the 14 lines of that document's preamble. The structure stands at 9 metres tall.[5] Designed by Snøhetta co-founder, Craig Dykers, with support from Local Studio's Thomas Chapman, the physical structure of the Arch for Arch consists of 14 individual arched beams of wood, which together form a dome. Swissline Design Timber Engineers, The Structural Workshop (Pty) Ltd and Smart Civils were involved in its construction.[6]
Arch for Arch was installed beside historic St. George's Cathedral on Cape Town's Adderley street. It is situated on the oldest pedestrian thoroughfare in the country - Government Avenue.[7] The Houses of Parliament, the Slave Lodge, and the Company's Garden are all within walking distance.
Unveiling
editAt the 2017 Design Indaba Conference, a prototype of the structure was first unveiled to the public during the event's finale. Archbishop Tutu, Dykers, and Chapman were all present for the occasion.[8] The Arch for Arch had its official unveiling on 7 October 2017 which coincided with Tutu's 86th birthday. A private service was held at St. George's Cathedral in Cape Town in his honour, attended by notable people, including Albie Sachs, Cheryl Carolus, and Mamphele Ramphela, as well as the greater Tutu family.[9] A smaller version of the Arch For Arch monument was unveiled at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on 10 December 2017 to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of South Africa's Constitution.
References
edit- ^ "Arch for Arch | Design Indaba". Design Indaba. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
- ^ jonas (2011-04-04). "Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu". South African History Online. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
- ^ "'Arch for Arch' tribute to Tutu planned for Cape Town". News24. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
- ^ "Celebrating the legacy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu | Design Indaba". Design Indaba. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
- ^ "Snøhetta and Local Studio Unveil Wooden Archway Honoring Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa". ArchDaily. 2018-03-08. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
- ^ "The Arch For Arch Monument - Visi". Visi. 2017-10-10. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
- ^ "Government Avenue Cape Town - South Africa's oldest pedestrian thoroughfare | The Heritage Portal". www.theheritageportal.co.za. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
- ^ Snøhetta unveil Arch for Arch project at Design Indaba 2017 | Design Indaba, retrieved 2018-04-11
- ^ "The Arch for The Arch: the story behind a tribute to Archbishop Tutu | Brand South Africa". Brand South Africa. 2017-10-12. Retrieved 2018-04-11.