Japanese architect Kengo Kuma was in Dundee over the weekend to present his vision of the new V&A Museum that will grace a prime spot at the waterfront. Before two packed audiences, he revealed some of the thinking behind the designs that will now be turned into reality. Here, The Courier’s Jennifer Cosgrove gives a personal reaction to what she heard.
The feeling in Saturday’s lunchtime talk by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma was one of great anticipation and excitement. People of all ages had been steadily flowing through the doors of the Dalhousie Building and, as soon as Mr Kuma stepped into the lecture theatre, applause erupted from every corner of the room.
It was clear the simple act of making the effort to come to Dundee and speak to its public was proof the project mattered as much to the architect as it did to the city.
After Mr Kuma took a few bows, visibly humbled by the reaction, the crowd settled enough for Dundee University’s principal, Professor Pete Downes, to give a welcome.
He praised the public’s response to the project, saying, if anything, it was the people of Dundee who would get it up and alive.
During the design selection process, 15,000 visitors went to see the exhibition of the six shortlisted buildings, and 1300 people signed up to hear Kengo Kuma give his talk over the course of two sold-out lectures.
Professor Downes went on to say that cultural developments such as the V&A at Dundee can have a massive impact on the local economy, as well as public perception.
The city was buzzing over the weekend, with the opening of the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show and Abertay University’s Digital Graduate Show, along with other exhibitions and events.
Professor Downes said if anyone questions why the V&A museum is coming to Dundee, the answer is all around the city, which is brimming with creativity.
Introducing Mr Kuma, Dundee City Council city development convener Mike Galloway revealed the professor of architecture at Tokyo University rarely gives public lectures and, when he does, there is always a huge demand for tickets. But Mr Kuma was gracious, saying he did not mind doing two lectures in one day.
He began by revealing the very first sketch he made of the V&A building, to a rumble of awe from the audience. The drawing of chalk on black paper showed the same wide V-shapes that now make up the finished design, mirrored by the ripples of water below.
When Mr Kuma talks of Dundee, it is always in a positive way, commenting on the beauty of the site, the light, or the way the wind affects the movement of the Tay. He has written a book on the subject of organic architecture and recognises beauty in nature, the flow of water, the materials available to him from the surrounding area.
Mr Kuma took the audience through his design process for the Dundee building, talking about how the promenade that goes underneath the structure is an important way for people to engage with the waterfront, and how the two V-shaped sections of the building link to form a gateway and a frame for nature.
Mr Kuma spoke of materials and how he will use reconstituted local stone to form the beams from which the museum will be constructed, since the quarries have now closed. He also hopes to use local wood.
The plaza space of the building was likened to an amphitheatre where people can gather and “enjoy” the surrounding steps, meet friends, watch the world go by.
He compared the ridges and patterns of the V&A building to a photograph of Scotland’s rugged coastline the lines on the rocks a product of the sea and wind. Mr Kuma went on to demonstrate proof that his vision for Dundee can be achieved by sharing examples of his existing architecture with the audience.
First was the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, which was built as part of a regeneration project in what was seen to be a “challenging” area beside a canal. This striking building now crosses the water with a bridge that acts as a point of access between a promenade and the exhibition space. There is a restaurant in the section above the canal.
Meanwhile, Mr Kuma’s design for the Suntory Museum of Art in Tokyo saw oak whisky barrels due to the Suntory connection with whisky production crushed flat so they could be used as flooring. Rice paper was used on the walls. You can apparently still smell the whisky as you walk through the building.
Then there are the structures Mr Kuma is creating in Europe the Besancon City of Arts and Culture project and a contemporary art centre in Marseilles, both due to open in France this year. And there is the Granada Performing Arts Centre in Spain a building that was influenced by the pomegranate, and the structure of honeycomb. It may have stretched the imagination but, once the images were shown, everything fell into place.
Mr Kuma spoke of his love of the work of Scots architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whom he studied as a student, and showed stills of the work of Vincent Van Gogh, who was heavily influenced by Japanese art. Both men took inspiration from Japan, and now the art of Europe is influencing Mr Kuma’s work.
One thing came across quite clearly Kengo Kuma respects landscapes and believes a building should fit harmoniously with its surroundings. He appears an honest man whose philosophy comes from the heart.
And he pleased the audience by saying the reason the project will come in on budget is because while architects in the 20th century did not feel the need to stick to budgets, the 21st century is all about following the rules and challenging oneself to achieve a vision as economically as possible.
During the audience questions, he took on board a suggestion to find a way of incorporating jute into the V&A building, was able to state the designs will cater for disabled access, and made clear his team would be looking into the use of renewable energy such as solar panels over the three-year building process.
Mr Kuma is a breath of fresh air just what Dundee has been waiting for. I’m certain I’m not alone when I say his vision will give the city the new life it so richly deserves.
All photos courtesy of Shahbaz Majeed / Frame Focus Capture Photography.