Japanese architects to design V&A at Dundee

The new Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in Dundee is to be designed by Japanese architectural firm Kengo Kuma & Associates, it has been confirmed.

Six proposals were shortlisted as part of an international competition to locate a design team for the landmark building on Dundee's waterfront, with Kengo Kuma's practice emerging as the unanimous choice of the judging panel.

Lesley Knox, chair of the V&A at Dundee project and of the panel, said the firm submitted plans for a 'building that will delight visitors and encourage them to revisit it again and again'.

'This has the potential to be one of Europe's most exciting buildings,' she added.

Kuma commented that it is a 'great honour' for his team to win the commission for the project, adding that he wants the development to 'balance' the city life and natural world that is found in Dundee.

Kengo Kuma & Associates has designed a number of museums in Japan, including the Masanari Murai art museum and the Suntory Museum of Art, in addition to large-scale corporate developments such as the headquarters of the Asahi Broadcasting Corporation.