V&A in Dundee, Scotland
Even before entering the V&A in Dundee, before entering Dundee at all- it makes it presence felt. Its striking facade is not imposing nor is it shy. It signals that something is stirring inside and invites the public to be curious. It might make one wonder what it is like inside.
It has a unique relationship with water that makes it seem light- as if it is floating on water.
The evening that I visited it, the lobby, the main hall, and the upper level (all of which are connected spaces) was brimming with creative energy and buzz. With tables and booths full of different crafts and arts, even the space under the soaring ceilings felt full.
This space was successful in its ability to host- to allow for people to make it their own. Upon going up on the balcony, we could look down into the lobby area and enjoy activity below. This balcony is possible thanks to the boat-like shape of the building as well as its unusual footprint and vertical growth- the space opens and expands upward. This makes it feel spacious
Upon entering the official gallery/ exhibition spaces, we felt that we were passing through portals that together told us a story. It was as if we were viewing a play- scene by scene. Some of these rooms were designed to immerse us into video installation while others demonstrated scale, and many encourages us to touch and to feel.
