[1] Commissioned by Design Indaba and sponsored by Liberty, its name is a play on Tutu's widely used nickname, "The Arch".
In 2016, Design Indaba CEO, Ravi Naidoo, was approached by Cape Town mayor, Patricia De Lille,[3] with the task of creatively honoring the former Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The wooden monument was envisioned as a public celebration of Tutu's legacy and impact on the people of South Africa.
Swissline Design Timber Engineers, The Structural Workshop (Pty) Ltd and Smart Civils were involved in its construction.
A private service was held at the St. George's Cathedral in Cape Town in his honor, attended by notable people, including Albie Sachs, Cheryl Carolus, and Mamphele Ramphela, as well as the greater Tutu family.