15 December 2010

V&A at Dundee Design models to be exhibited at Holyrood

The Scottish Parliament is to host an exciting exhibition of the six designs short-listed following the competition to design a landmark building for V&A at Dundee on the banks of the River Tay.

From Monday 17 to Thursday 27 January, members of the public will be able to see the exhibition for free in the Parliament's Main Hall. The exhibition will showcase six architectural models illustrating the short-listed designs and information about the winning design and the international role of the new centre.

Speaking ahead of the opening, Presiding Officer Rt Hon Alex Fergusson MSP said:

'In hosting this exhibition, the Parliament is delighted to support the V&A at Dundee's aims to create an international platform for design talent in Scotland. The designs are truly inspiring and this exhibition - which is free to visit - will be a 'must-see' for anyone with an interest in Scotland's architectural and cultural landscape.'

Project Leader for the V&A at Dundee, Graham McKee, said:

'This exhibition was a huge hit in Dundee, where more than 15,000 people came to view the models and gave us very positive feedback on the project. We are delighted that the exhibition is now being shown at the Scottish Parliament where more people will be able to see the quality of the models. Visitors will gain a better picture of a project that is going to have a major cultural and economic impact, and will develop Scotland's reputation as a global centre of design.'

V&A at Dundee is being delivered by Dundee Design Ltd, a partnership between the V&A, the University of Dundee, the University of Abertay Dundee, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise.

Japanese architectural practice Kengo Kuma & Associates won the international architecture competition. The judging panel felt their bold and ambitious stone building provided a harmonious and integrated response to the waterfront site and offered fantastic spaces to exhibit design collections.

Kengo Kuma & Associates team for the V&A at Dundee project includes the Scottish firms cre8architecture, Optimised Environments Ltd, CBA, and the engineering firm Arup, which has offices across Scotland, including in Dundee.

Dundee Design Ltd. will now work with Kengo Kuma & Associates to develop and realise the winning proposal. Work is projected to start onsite in 2012.

More than 120 firms took part in the competition to design the landmark building, which is due to be opened in 2014.

Background
It is intended the V&A at Dundee will be an international centre for design. It will showcase the design process from initial spark to final product, exhibit the work of local and global leaders in design, and engage both design professionals and non-professionals in the process of innovation.

The V&A at Dundee seeks to build on Scotland's reputation as a leader in engineering, innovation and creativity, and will firmly establish the country's position as a global player in design. It aims to help attract major investments and contribute to the stimulation of Scotland's cultural and economic growth.

It will be housed in a stunning new building at the heart of Dundee's waterfront, showcasing Scottish design talent and providing a venue for the V&A's major international touring exhibitions.

Members of the media should contact:
Sally Coyne: 0131 348 6265 RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
Email: sally.coyne@scottish.parliament.uk.

For public information enquiries, contact:
Telephone: 0131 348 5000 / 0800 092 7500 (Public Enquiries) / 0131 348 5395 (Gàidhlig)
Textphone users can contact us on 0800 092 7100. We also welcome calls using the RNID Typetalk service. Email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
You can now get in touch with the Parliament by text message. Our interactive service enables you to get the name of your MSP by sending your postcode, lets you ask questions about the Parliament and its work, and enables you to request a selection of free leaflets. The number to take advantage of is 07786 209888. Texts are charged at standard network rates. More details can be found on our Text Service page.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07800 581902