V&A Dundee architect Kengo Kuma has been awarded an honorary degree from Dundee University.
The Japanese visionary was in Dundee on Thursday morning to receive his doctorate alongside hundreds of other graduands at a ceremony in the Caird Hall.
Mr Kuma, who as well as designing the V&A is also behind Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic stadium, said the recognition from Dundee was “wonderful”.
He said: “Receiving this award has been wonderful.
Kengo Kuma signs our Roll of Honorary Graduates ahead of this morning’s ceremony #UoDGrad @VADundee pic.twitter.com/nOEDs6CI3V
— University of Dundee (@dundeeuni) June 21, 2018
“This award from Dundee University is the first time I have received something like this, in a city where I have designed a building.”
Mr Kuma also hailed the city for continuing its academic traditions, by holding a formal graduation event.
“I teach in Tokyo University, but this sort of academic event is not something which happens and I am very excited to be a part of it,” he said.
And he’s proving to be a very popular person with the press! Huge interest in this morning’s Honorary Graduate ahead of opening of @VADundee in September. #UoDGrad pic.twitter.com/yIIz3jrZ28
— University of Dundee (@dundeeuni) June 21, 2018
“I feel the people of Dundee have fallen in love with my building and this award from the city’s university is an example of that.
“Dundee has changed a lot since my first visit — it is more alive and even more charming.”
.@VADundee architect Kengo Kuma is receiving an honorary degree from @dundeeuni. He said he is pleased that the city has taken his building to its heart. pic.twitter.com/NKrN8FSV2Q
— Graeme Ogston (@BBCGraemeO) June 21, 2018
