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Architect Kengo Kuma discusses his creation for V&A Dundee

Architect Kengo Kuma discusses his design for the new V&A museum in Dundee, Scotland

The design world has been waiting to see what acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma would create for the V&A’s first post outside London. He talks BBC Designed through his vision.

“The beauty of Scotland is the effect of natural light,” says Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the visionary designer selected to create V&A Dundee, the V&A’s first location outside London.

It was announced today that the museum, Scotland’s first design museum, will open to the public on Saturday 15 September 2018.

“Our museum is conceptually the bridge between nature and the city,” Kuma says, explaining that he endeavours to be respectful of his "neighbours" – in this case the River Tay and RRS Discovery.

“By using water, we tried to create a harmonious relationship between the ship, the museum and the River Tay… This is very complicated – three types of geometry – but finally we found a solution. The architecture is like a cliff.”

V&A Dundee stands at the centre of the £1 billion transformation of the Dundee waterfront, once part of the city’s docklands. The new museum will feature permanent galleries of Scottish design, as well as an ambitious international programme of changing exhibitions showcasing design from around the world.

The opening exhibition Ocean Liners: Speed & Style, will explore the designs behind a mode of transport that came to represent the status of nations and the aspirations of millions.

Click above to watch the video.

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