kengo kuma design for V&A at dundee gets planning green light

kengo kuma design for v&a at dundee gets planning green light
image © v&a dundee

kengo kuma‘s winning proposal for the £45 million scottish hub of the victoria and albert museum  has been approved for planning. the greenlighted plans maintain an overall aim to create a more connected relationship between the tay river and the waterfront. drawing from the strata of monumental rock formations, the single volume will be composed of two tapered and offset forms. subtractions from the built mass articulate numerous walkways and promotes circulation through and around the building. the result is a literal extension of the public space onto the water as well as the creation of multiple public plazas at the foot of the museum that will serve as an outdoor exhibition and event space for the institution. the museum’s program seeks to highlight the rich and often overlooked scottish design history and remarkable creative output. mike galloway, of the dundee city council expressed high hopes for the now-realizable project: 

V&A at dundee will be a huge asset for the city as a focal point in the transformation of the whole waterfront area. securing planning permission and the subsequent publication of the tender documents takes us closer towards constructing a world-class building that will have an international impact.

see designboom’s previous coverage here.  

a flythrough of the project
video © V&A at dundee

layered cladding draws from the strata of rock formations
image © V&A dundee

two offset volumes strategically lift from the groundplane to free spaces of circulation
image © V&A dundee

a light-filled gift shop continues the tectonic language
image © V&A dundee

circulation and gathering areas intersect in the museum
image © V&A dundee

interior view
image © V&A dundee

the first victoria & albert museum to be constructed outside of london will revitalize the waterfront
image © V&A dundee

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