V&A Dundee is Kengo Kuma’s first building in the UK, which he designed to become a new ‘living room for the city’, an open, welcoming space for everyone. Inspired by the cliffs along the east coast of Scotland, the museum is at the centre of the £1 billion transformation of Dundee’s waterfront.
V&A Dundee will feature an ambitious international programme of changing exhibitions, permanent galleries of Scottish design, new design commissions, as well as community, family and learning activities.
V&A Dundee will feature an ambitious international programme of changing exhibitions, permanent galleries of Scottish design, new design commissions, as well as community, family and learning activities.
“I am delighted to return to Dundee and see the completed construction of V&A Dundee.
Today I am pleased to meet with some of the people who have brought our design to life, and to give my thanks for their hard work in creating this complex structure." said Kengo Kuma.
Today I am pleased to meet with some of the people who have brought our design to life, and to give my thanks for their hard work in creating this complex structure." said Kengo Kuma.
“The journey to launch a major new international design museum is nearly complete... We are thrilled to be preparing to launch the first dedicated design museum in Scotland, and to reveal a remarkable new piece of architecture by Kengo Kuma. The new museum is at the heart of a truly incredible city and we look forward to celebrating the opening,” said Philip Long, Director of V&A Dundee.
Description of project by Kengo Kuma
Located along the waterfront in the city of Dundee in the northern part of Scotland, this museum is a branch of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
In addition to exhibits of artwork in the V&A collection, contemporary Scottish art and product design from the area are on display, making it a facility that is expected to become a new cultural centre in Scotland.
The site faces the River Tay, and the architecture proposes a new integrated way to achieve harmony with the environment. The façade has a variety of shadows and changes created with multiple horizontal layers of precast concrete as a way to express the beautiful cliffs of Scotland with architecture.
A large horizontal “hole” was provided in the centre of the building. This “hole” represents an attempt to connect Union Street which runs through the centre of Dundee with the beautiful natural scenery of the River Tay. This feature was adopted in order to create a 21st century type cultural facility that is an integral part of the environment and community which replaces 20th century type art museums that were cut off from the environment.
The foyer was designed as a large void that is covered with locally available wood that has a soft texture with the intention that it be used as a “Living Room” capable of revitalizing the community by providing a venue where various concerts and performances are held.
