Kengo Kuma and Associates wins Dundee V&A design competition
The Japanese firm has beaten five other entrants on the shortlist to design the new Victoria and Albert Museum in Dundee.
Kengo Kuma and Associates' winning design.
- By Stefan Morkis
- Published online : 03.11.10 @ 11.31am
Design Dundee chairwoman Lesley Knox announced the "unanimous" winner at a packed press conference at Abertay University library on Bell Street.
Six designs made it to the final shortlist from more than 120 entries, and over 13,000 people have visited the exhibition over the past month to view them.
Although Rex's Bluebell design was the popular favourite, the judging panel have instead opted for Kengo Kuma's lattice-like structure, reminiscent of a ship's bow.
Ms Knox said, "We were delighted by the quality of all the designs which were submitted to the competition and I think this is reflected in the huge public interest which our exhibition of models has generated.
"Kengo Kuma's proposal was the unanimous choice of the jury panel and is a worthy winner — a building that will delight visitors and encourage them to revisit it again and again.
"It demonstrates a clear understanding of the city, offers a new experience of the river, and will be as exciting internally as it will be externally.
"This has the potential to be one of Europe's most exciting buildings."
Kengo Kuma and Associates was founded in 1990 with European offices in Paris. Kengo Kuma is a professor at the Graduate School of Architecture at Tokyo University and his design is based on an open public hall and utilises traditional building techniques.
The team's design brief said, "The museum itself with its big and open public hall will be part of the new system of public spaces, becoming a sort of covered public square where people can go and enjoy the warm feeling of this welcoming space, just for shopping at the museum store, or for going to dinner at the restaurant or to have a drink at the cafe."
Mr Kuma said he was grateful for the chance to build what is hoped will become as iconic a structure at the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
"It is a great honour to hear the news and my team and I are grateful for this significant opportunity," he said. "I am thrilled to be able to work with those at V&A at Dundee in order to give shape to their vision, to contribute meaningfully to the cultural richness of the city.
"It will be an exciting endeavour that will combine the tradition and heritage of the Victoria and Albert Museum and our new ideas.
"Furthermore, we are enthusiastic about the amazing site, the city and environment.
"It is our intention to find a balanced approach to nature and the city life of Dundee. We wish to bring our best efforts forward, with vigour and passion."
11.46am - 03.11.2010 Peter Wise - Perth, Scotland Report This
Just goes to show what a farce the public consultation was. Ask the people of Dundee which one they would like to see built, then just ignore them.
12.15pm - 03.11.2010 S and P - Perth, Scotland Report This
Excellent choice. Our favourite by a mile.
12.29pm - 03.11.2010 valentine scarlett - dundee, scotland Report This
Pity about Rex but this is also stunning. Having seen the 3D design i can see it will look amazing on the water. Dundee can be proud of itself. Although yes, i do wonder about the purpose of public consultation.
12.29pm - 03.11.2010 Union St resident - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Fantastic. Looking forward to seeing it for real.
12.30pm - 03.11.2010 Martin - Dundee, Scotland Report This
TBH I thought REX and Kengo's were both great. Now we can start to build this. And with Dundee city council announcing that the new 50m Olympia will get start in Jan... things are looking up again. If you don't have anything positive to say..... shhhh!
12.35pm - 03.11.2010 Jonah - Chesterfield, UK Report This
Standard management practice is to give minions the illusion of participation before doing what they want. I do hope the project is managed better than the Embra trams.
12.38pm - 03.11.2010 RARA and The Pretty Vacant Showrooms - Dundee, Scotland Report This
EXCITED!!!!!!!
12.43pm - 03.11.2010 Jonah - Chesterfield, UK Report This
The Kengo building looks fantastic- definitely my favourite. I look forward to seeing the V&A of the north.
01.14pm - 03.11.2010 Les Wilson - Broughty Ferry, UK Report This
Great news. Very pleased with the decision. Don't understand comments about the public consultation being a "farce". As far as I understand this was one of the public favourites. Good choice.
01.46pm - 03.11.2010 Robbie - Dundee, UK Report This
Great choice!!! Edinburgh's problem is that the Council are inexperienced and drafted the worst contract in the world. Hopefully, DCC planners will have nothing whatsoever to do with this. They must be prohibited from allowing the proposed 10 storey hotel which will obscure this lovely museum
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