The Best Weapon, UN HQ Concrete Installation, United Nations Architecture Images, Bench
The Best Weapon at the UN HQ in New York
Public Architecture Installation, United States of America – design by Snøhetta, Architects
Sep 30, 2019
The Best Weapon
Architects: Snøhetta
Location: 1st Avenue, New York, USA

photo © Bjørnar Øvrebø
Snøhetta has designed an installation which is currently showcased the UN Headquarters Plaza in New York City as a symbol of diplomacy and dialogue. Commissioned by the Nobel Peace Center, the piece is titled The Best Weapon after Nelson Mandela?s historic quote ?The best weapon is to sit down and talk?. The installation pays tribute to past Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their efforts to bring people together to find effective solutions for peace.
photos © Johannes W. Berg
The Best Weapon manifests the values of the Nobel Peace Center and pays homage to Nelson Mandela?s humane ideals of compromise, dialogue and compassion. Designed as a partial circle that meets the ground at its lowest point, the gentle arc of the bench pulls those sitting on it closer together, subsequently and subtly encouraging dialogue. The Best Weapon delivers a message of peace and conflict resolution, both as a functional piece that encourages conversation and social intimacy, and as a resilient symbol that anchors the Peace Center?s mission for discourse and peace.

photo © Bjørnar Øvrebø
«The foremost precondition for peace is bringing people toge...