Incredible aerial footage has been unveiled showing the meticulous work taking place to create Scotland’s first ever dedicated design museum in Dundee.
The team behind the highly-anticipated £80 million V&A on the banks of the River Tay captured the video, which shows massive cast-stone panels being hung onto the curved walls of the building.
In the footage an engineer is seen inspecting one of the panels being fitted to the structure’s highest point – a 60ft wall facing on to the river itself.
The V&A Museum of Design is the first British building to be designed by world-famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, whose vision was inspired by the cliffs of the dramatic north-east coast.
And last night the team behind its construction said “nothing like this” has ever been built in Scotland before.
Once completed 2,466 of the panels will form the exterior of the V&A, each one weighing between 1.5 and 2.5 tonnes. They are being individually placed onto the structure.
The slabs have been made of stone, cement and mesh with the help of a 3D model, with the position of each one planned out in advance of construction itself.
Mike Galloway, Dundee City Council’s executive director of city development, said: “V&A Dundee is an impressive feat of engineering and installing thousands of stone panels is the next stage of this ambitious build.
“Nothing like this has ever been constructed in Scotland before. In fact, I can’t think of another building anywhere in the world similar to this.
“Because the museum is so unique the team of constructors, designers and engineers have had to use the latest technology to realise the architect’s vision.”
V&A Dundee’s director, Philip Long, said: “It is fantastic to see V&A Dundee take shape and a joy to watch as these panels transform the curved walls of the museum into the exciting form Kengo Kuma envisaged.
““The hard work, skill and dedication of those involved in the build is remarkable and is producing something very special on the banks of the River Tay.
“As the building enters the final stages of construction excitement is growing as we look ahead to opening Scotland’s first design museum next year.”
The V&A will showcase the best design work from both Scotland and across the globe.
It will also bring together the story of Scotland’s creative heritage with a range of fascinating objects and artefacts, and will welcome international touring exhibitions.
The V&A is due to open to the public next year.
