Named The Best Weapon after Nelson Mandela’s historic quote, ?The best weapon is to sit down and talk,? this bench was designed as a sign of peace. The installation ? which resembles a smile ? ties into current day affairs such as climate change, peace, and collaboration among nations, while its gentle arc pulls those sitting on it closer together.
A four-way Norwegian partnership, the installation was commissioned by the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, designed by architecture firm Snøhetta, and created in partnership with aluminum manufacturer Hydro and outdoor furniture manufacturer Vestre.
“The foremost precondition for peace is bringing people together. We believe in using design as a tool to create lasting symbols that foster fruitful communication,? says Snøhetta founder, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen.

This month it was moved to its permanent location in Oslo, near the Nobel Peace Center and Oslo City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually.

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