This hand carved bench is an original design and unique interpretation of the iconic benches at the Malecón, where one can sit at the extensive shoreline of the Caribbean Sea, on George Washington boulevard, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Here, the stone is Portoro Gold marble, and it was extracted from the town of Santa Bárbara de Samaná in the Dominican Republic. The marble has a combination of black and gold streaks in color, making it distinctive and unique to this part of the world. 

Benches along a seacoast provide a respite for nature and togetherness in an urban seating, whether it be New York City’ East River or the Caribbean’s seacoast of Santo Domingo. This gift can promote mental well-being through the contemplation of nature and togetherness. As you sit and reflect on the sounds of nature you can feel positive gentle energies such as calmness, joy and creativity. 

The bench was created by TRAZA DO, an incubator team that promotes human well-being, and fabricated by Marmotech Design Center. The artists said, “There then it is permanently… our cultural contributions have come a long way… The piece has become part of our country brand.” as good design for all.

The gift was presented by the President of the Dominican Republic, H.E. Mr. Luis Abinader Corona, to the United Nations and USG Ms. Catherine Pollard, accepted it on behalf of the United Nations. 

The President said at the presentation ceremony, “The goal of this installation is to promote mental health through the contemplation of nature. Using the bench ""as a portal,"" one can enjoy views of the Santo Domingo seawall and listen to the special sounds of the Caribbean Sea. In the context of the UN Decade of Action, it should also be considered as a bench for Peace and Sustainable Development.” The UN 2030 Agenda for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, with this installation, it promotes a space for reflection and connecting with nature to learn to live in harmony.