Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates
Area: 8,445 m²
Year: 2018
Photography: Hufton+Crow
Design Team: Yuki Ikeguchi, Mucciola Maurizio, Piccinelli Maria Chiara, Masaki Kakizoe, Kazuya Katagiri, Kimio Suzuki (CG), Tomohiro Matsunaga (CG), Masaru Shuku, Hajime Kita, Teppei Fujiwara, Masafumi Harigai, Rika Hiratsuji, Hiroaki Saito
Exterior: Techrete, Optimised Environments
Cooperation and Illumination: ARUP
Construction: BAM Construct
City: Dundee
Country: United Kingdom

V&A Dundee, designed by Kengo kuma & Associates, is a striking museum situated along the River Tay in Dundee, Scotland. Completed in 2018, its design features layered precast concrete that draws inspiration from the region’s local cliffs. A large central opening in the building creates a visual and physical connection between the city and the river. Inside, the foyer made of local wood serves as a community space, hosting concerts and events, and providing a welcoming environment for visitors.

The museum, a branch of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, blends the V&A’s extensive collection with contemporary Scottish art and product design. It was conceived as a cultural hub for the region, aiming to offer a unique platform for design, art, and innovation. Through this combination, V&A Dundee not only connects the city to the broader cultural scene but also highlights Scotland’s rich design heritage.

The museum’s architecture responds to its waterfront location by integrating the building into its surroundings. The facade features multiple horizontal layers of precast concrete, creating varying shadows that evoke the natural cliffs of Scotland.

This architectural language creates a visual harmony with the landscape, drawing from the region’s natural beauty.

A large horizontal “hole” is carved through the center of the building, symbolizing a connection between Union Street, which runs through the city, and the scenic River Tay. This design aims to establish a modern cultural facility that blends into the environment and community, moving away from the isolation of traditional 20th-century art museums.

The foyer, designed as a large void, is clad in locally sourced wood with a soft texture. It is conceived as a “Living Room” for the community, providing a space for various concerts and performances, helping to revitalize the area.