Output details

V & A at Dundee: MAKING IT HAPPEN. (MAIN REPORT (2009), 48pp, Published by Scottish Enterprise, University of Dundee, City of Dundee for the Development and establishment of an International Centre for Design and Design Research + Portfolio of outcomes: Reports (Public and Confidential), Conference and Exhibition, Conference Papers, Presentations, Expositions, Architectural Competition 2008-2013)

Research conducted during the AHRC-funded project Past-Present-Future-Craft-Practice (PPFCP 2005-10) indicated the need for a world-class Design infrastructure for Scotland.

In 2008 Follett conceived the V&A at Dundee project, on the premise of providing audiences with a 360 degree view of design by situating a new centre in Dundee in partnership with the V&A Museum. Commissioned with writing a Report, Follett reviewed international design practices and literature to understand the economic performance, research capability, creative and cultural infrastructure of Scotland. Design as product, process, service, system and experience, were explored to understand how to exemplify and convey different facets of design practice to general/professional audiences.

This report defined the shape and ethos of the proposed museum, research and knowledge transfer infrastructure by placing design, designers and SMEs at the project’s heart. Follett went on to lead the next stage (2008-11) with consultants, agencies, organisations and designers for papers presented to DDL Board (Dundee Design LTD).

“Making it Happen” conference and exhibition publically launched the project alongside the Architectural Competition, and presentations to the Scottish Government. The conference laid out the research to date and the project's benefits. A series of strategic public interventions were conceived and delivered to test and argue the proposal and understand and conceptualise a new cultural provision with a vision for the future of design in Scotland.