The president of the Dundee Institute of Architecture (DIA) has said the chosen design for the V&A building planned for the city’s waterfront should be nothing less than “iconic.”
However, Willie Watt of Nicoll Russell Architects told The Courier that any of the six entries which are on display at Abertay University’s library on Bell Street would put Dundee “on the map.”
“It would be rather disappointing if we picked something that ticked all the functioning boxes but not the iconic box,” he said. “At the end of the day the building has to attract people from far and wide who want their photo taken in front of it.”
While refusing to be drawn on his favourite, Mr Watt said he was glad that each represented an ambitious new direction for the city.
“I don’t think I would want to favour one or the other because of the position I hold,” he said. “It’s heartening that they are designs that will put Dundee on the map.
“From a Dundonian perspective we have to live with the decision for years to come. Most people are looking for something quite bold which complements the surroundings, from the River Tay to the waterfront development, and I think it is interesting it appears to have captured the public’s attention.
“Every time I go out someone will ask me about it. People are talking about it everywhere.”
Mr Watt said the buzz surrounding the project was rippling across the community, inspiring the people of Dundee to feel proud of their city again.
“People are excited,” he said. “I know from an architectural point of view that Dundee is getting a lot of positive coverage as a result of this.
“The project has captured the interest of an international, stellar collection of artists and that has been noticed around the world.”
However, he warned that the city was at the beginning of a “fairly long grind” and the success of the development depended on the unwavering support of its residents.
“We are playing in a different league,” he said. “We are trying as a city to compete with others around the world. This is obviously the start of a fairly long grind.
“If we are serious about this then we have to get fully behind it, which means backing the project, even though there might be times when it is more of a challenge.
“It is very easy to get into a position to skimp and not aim too high but that’s when it gets tricky. There are many other cities who have reinvented themselves through buildings and this is our chance we have to continue to try and emulate them.
“These are exciting entries and I am looking forward to the complete end result.”Study all of the designs at vandaatdundee.com