The Sandton Central Management District (SCMD), embarked on a forward thinking Arts Programme, engineered to transform the cultural landscape of South Africa's economic hub. Their latest project, the Benchmark Commission, uses urban furniture to redefine contemporary public space and create a welcoming environment in Sandton Central.

This artistic commission of urban furniture sees each bench funded by a corporate in the area with the emphasis on the art and functionality of the piece and not the corporate branding. Each corporate chooses their own artist and the project is managed by Sandton Central. A plaque containing artist information, design descriptions and the sponsor logo is designed as part of each commission, tying all the benches together and enabling branding returns in an appropriate manner.

Shepherd Ndudzo's design for the Bowman Gilfillan bench is characteristic of his most renowned work. "My inspiration comes from everyday people and their daily rituals, and my sculptures usually revolve around body shapes that are elongated or stretched, which I incorporated into my design," explains Ndudzo. According to Bowman Gilfillan, Nduduzo's bench completely met their brief of a contemporary work of art that is comfortable and inviting to use, all the while blending in with the environment. Nduduzo's bench is located on the corner of West Street and Fredman Drive.