The V&A Dundee

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A unique and complex structure with twisting, folding exterior walls.

The prize-winning design has resulted in a building that combines ambitious modern architecture with a dramatic location on the banks of the River Tay.

The roof extends an impressive 19.8m beyond the footprint of the museum. 

Judge's comment:

The external vertically load bearing walls are a complex 3D reinforced concrete shell, with curved steeply inclined surfaces that are cross-tied by the internal steel floor structures of the clear span gallery spaces within.

Through extensive engineering consideration and modelling the engineers honed the geometry of the shell walls to minimise their thickness without compromise to the drama of the form.

Sharp structural detailing is demonstrated throughout, notably the single adjustable fixing to attach 10km of irregular precast concrete façade panels to the doubly curved wall.

The engineers used industry leading and bespoke visualisation and modelling tools to develop and communicate the forms to the construction team.