The association Í okkar höndum and the Oslo School of Architecture and Design have requested to have an area in Iceland’s capital reserved for a square named after Nelson Mandela. Vitatorg has been mentioned as a possible location.

“We would like to establish a creative platform which would be a beautiful and respectful memorial of Nelson Mandela and his work,” Steinþór Helgi Arnsteinsson of Í okkar höndum, the sister association of the Nelson Mandela Foundation in South Africa, told Fréttablaðið.

“It’s a charity foundation,” Steinþór says of Í okkar höndum. “Our goal is primarily to present and pass on Nelson Mandela’s message.”

The design of the square would be the Masters examination for students of the Oslo School of Architecture and Design and the school and other organizers would be responsible for funding, Steinþór explains.

“I’m trying to obtain support within Reykjavík City Council and the response has been positive so far,” Steinþór states.

Councilor for the Best Party Einar Örn Benediktsson says he is excited about the project. “One of the ideas is for the square to be located on Vitatorg, or perhaps at the Mýrargata lot where several small squares are assumed,” he reveals.

ESA