ARCH FOR ARCH

Arch for Arch is an architectural structure commissioned by Design Indaba that commemorates the work and life of one of South Africa’s most celebrated figures, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Arch for Arch (2017) by Design IndabaDesign Indaba

The #ArchForArch is meant to be a physical representation of the Arch Bishop's strength and resilient humanity.

Arch for Arch (2017) by Design IndabaOriginal Source: Design Indaba

"The Arch for Arch, as it’s affectionately been named, is a project that we undertook at a time when the value of legacy, history and visibility in public spaces has formed part of the national and international debate." - Ravi Naidoo (Founder of Interactive Africa)

The spectacular finale of the 2017 Design Indaba Conference and a tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2017) by Design IndabaOriginal Source: Design Indaba

Norwegian architecture firm Snohetta and the South African architect Thomas Chapman, were the ones chosen to create a structure that could best represent the icon that is Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Design Indaba 2017 (2017) by Design IndabaOriginal Source: Design Indaba

The final project was unveiled on the 7 October 2017, coinciding with Tutu’s 86th birthday.

Tap to explore

The wooden arches were bent by Croatian boat builder Dario Farcic in Johannesburg.

Arch for Arch (2017) by Design IndabaOriginal Source: Design Indaba

The 14 pillars of the Arch for Arch will stand as the physical embodiment of the 14 chapters of South Africa’s Constitution.

Bringing the Arch for Arch to life (2017) by Design IndabaOriginal Source: Design Indaba

A version of the Arch for Arch structure has been installed near St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town.

Design Indaba’s tribute to one of SA’s beloved freedom fighters, Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2017) by Design IndabaOriginal Source: Design Indaba

Another was installed at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on 10 December 2017 to coincide with the 21st anniversary of the South African Constitution.

Tap to explore

The Arch for Arch is the physical embodiment of the tools found in South Africa’s Constitution and a reminder of the true freedoms this remarkable document affords us as a nation.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
Colours of Africa
A kaleidoscope of 60 artists from across the continent curated by Design Indaba
View theme

Interested in Design?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites