A “bold and ambitious” design from a Japanese architect was named the winning proposal for a new V&A museum in Scotland.
Kengo Kuma & Associates’ entry for the building on the banks of the River Tay in Dundee was unanimously chosen from six shortlisted proposals for the £50 million development.
More than 120 firms took part in the competition to design the building, which is due to be opened in 2014.
Judges said the design had “the potential to be one of Europe’s most exciting buildings” and Mr Kuma said he was “thrilled” his firm was named the winner.
The six shortlisted designs were unveiled at the end of September this year.
The jury panel made their decision after they examined the designs, interviewed the architects and looked at some of their previous work.
They also considered the responses of the public after “thousands” of questionnaires and comments were received from the 13,000 people who visited the exhibition and viewed it online.
Mr Kuma said: “It is a great honour to hear the news and my team and I are grateful for this significant opportunity.
“I am thrilled to be able to work with those at V&A at Dundee in order to give shape to their vision, to contribute meaningfully to the cultural richness of the city.
“It will be an exciting endeavour that will combine the tradition and heritage of the Victoria and Albert Museum and our new ideas.
“Furthermore, we are enthusiastic about the amazing site, the city and environment - it is our intention to find a balanced approach to nature and the city life of Dundee.”
Lesley Knox, chair of the V&A at Dundee project and the jury panel, said: “We were delighted by the quality of all the designs which were submitted to the competition and I think this is reflected in the huge public interest which our exhibition of models has generated.
“Kengo Kuma’s proposal was the unanimous choice of the jury panel and is a worthy winner; a building that will delight visitors and encourage them to revisit it again and again.
“It demonstrates a clear understanding of the city, offers a new experience of the river and will be as exciting internally as it will be externally.
“This has the potential to be one of Europe’s most exciting buildings.” Sir Mark Jones, director of the V&A, said the design offered “fantastic spaces to exhibit stunning design collections”.
He said: “I think this will become a major destination and will give us an internationally-recognised building. It will reward repeat visits and attract attention from around the world.”
Mike Galloway, director of city development for Dundee City Council and a member of the panel, said: “The Kengo Kuma design gives us something which is bold and ambitious but buildable and practical.
“It is a beautiful stone building which elegantly meets the requirements we laid out in the brief. This is a harmonious and integrated response to this unique site, which enhances the overall waterfront project.”