# Wooden Monumental Arches Snøhetta & Local Studio Pay Tribute to Desmond Tutu During Design Indaba By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-03-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monumental-arch References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/03/08/arch-for-arch-desmond-tutu-memorial-snohetta-local-studio-design-indaba-cape-town/) & [snohetta](https://snohetta.com/projects/374-arch-for-arch) Desmond Mpilo Tutu is a South African anti-apartheid and human rights activist, who has been paid homage to with a monumental arch in Cape Town by architecture firms Snøhetta and [Local Studio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/local-architecture-network). The wooden structure bears the name 'Arch for Arch' and is a direct reference to the Nation's first archbishop of color. During democracy-supporting campaigns in the 70s and 80s, Desmond Tutu earned his nickname -- The Arch. The monumental arch is quite interesting in physical structure, as well. Snøhetta and Local Studio created "[14 intertwined lengths of bent wood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-annex), representing the 14 chapters of the South African constitution." A commemoration of the monumental arch in Cape Town truly reminds us that the fight is not over and to not take progress for granted. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Monumental Commemorative Structures:** The creation of wooden monumental arches to pay tribute to influential figures presents opportunities for innovative designs that merge art and architecture. - **Symbolic Architecture:** Architectural structures with symbolic meanings, such as the 'Arch for Arch', highlight the potential for storytelling and evoking emotions through design. - **Integration of History and Design:** Combining historical references with contemporary design techniques, as seen in the arches honoring Desmond Tutu, can create unique and thought-provoking structures. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** The field of architecture can explore new possibilities by incorporating symbolic elements into their designs, fostering a deeper connection between structures and their intended meanings. - **Art:** Artists can explore the use of monumental structures as a way to convey powerful messages and communicate the significance of historical figures and events. - **Historical Preservation:** Preservation organizations can leverage the integration of historical references with modern design to create engaging and educational experiences that highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Conservation Area Monumental Townhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-arches.md) - [Black Timber Structural Pyramids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kwaee.md) - [Architecturally Intricate Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-for-architecture.md) - [Wooden Arch Design Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-forest-datum.md) - [Architectural Wall Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humanise-wall.md) - [Former President-Honoring Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-masm.md) - [Refurbished Welcoming Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/st-leonards-church.md) - [Former President Brick Mausoleums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thomas-sankara-mausoleum.md) - [Cage-Inspired Arch Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-weiweis-work.md)