
The McManus & Albert Square
Key Facts
Client
Dundee City Council
Location
Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1DA
Value
£9,500,000
Completion
July 2009
Blending geometries of galleries, public realm and city
Project Info
Dundee’s city centre has been transformed into a unique pedestrian experience. Historic and contemporary settings are blended together into a rich experiential tapestry, culminating in the project to restore what is now called ‘The McManus’ (originally The Albert Institute) and its previously, ill-considered setting. A new decorated vesica pisces landscape evolved in harmony with the Gothic spirit of the original building by George Gilbert Scott, and focuses on the Art Gallery and Museum. A new south entrance facing the city centre enhances access to and appreciation of the building and its collections.
Internally, a new stair developed from the same geometry negotiates the various gallery levels of the building – a unifying circulation device for the restored collection of galleries representing the various eras of redevelopment of the building.


Selected Awards
RIBA Award 2011
Andy Doolan Award 2010 - Special mention
RICS Highly Commended Building Conservation
Dundee Institute of Architects Awards 2010, Winner of the Supreme Award
Dundee Civic Trust Award 2010
Glasgow Institute of Architects Awards 2010, Winner Conservation Award 2010
Saltire Society Engineering Awards 2010 - Conservation Award Commendation
Civic Trust Award 2011 for Conservation, Repair and Adaptation
Civic Trust Award 2011: Special Award for Restoration and Refurbishment
Scottish Design Awards 2011 - McManus for Conservation
Scottish Design Awards 2011 - Albert Square for Public Realm