en.Wedoany.com Reported - The design rights for the new wing of the National Gallery in London have been awarded to Kengo Kuma and Associates, which will advance the project in collaboration with BDP and MICA. The international competition, launched in September 2025, attracted 65 submissions, from which six teams were shortlisted for the final round. The gallery stated that the new wing project is a key milestone in its long-term strategy, "Project Domani," and is regarded as the most significant transformation since the gallery's founding in 1824, aiming to substantially expand spatial capacity and curatorial scope, allowing the narrative of Western painting to be presented coherently within a single space.
The jury described the winning scheme as an "exemplary work," noting that it strikes a balance between formal clarity and contextual sensitivity, while engaging in a positive dialogue with the existing Sainsbury Wing. The design employs stepped volumes and Portland stone as its fundamental vocabulary, echoing the surrounding urban fabric while introducing abundant natural light. Landscape features such as a rooftop garden and planted public spaces aim to create more permeable communal areas, thereby strengthening the connection between Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. The scheme seeks to transcend the boundaries of the building itself, embedding it within a broader urban context and reinforcing the gallery's public role.
The internal spatial organization achieves both curatorial and spatial objectives through a series of differentiated galleries. The lower level features vaulted and arched structures, continuing the spatial character of adjacent galleries and maintaining the coherence of the museum's fabric. The upper level shifts towards a more geometric and restrained language, transforming the spatial experience while preserving overall compositional unity. This dual approach of continuity and variation supports diverse display methods and enhances the overall visitor experience.
The scheme also systematically integrates sustainability and social value considerations through a dedicated "Climate and Social Action Design Framework." Environmental strategies advance in tandem with a broad commitment to public engagement, situating the project within contemporary discussions on how cultural institutions can address ecological and social challenges. The new wing will be built on the site of the St. Vincent's House, a plot acquired nearly three decades ago for future expansion, currently housing a hotel and office complex. This redevelopment is seen as the last major opportunity to expand the gallery campus while consolidating its relationship with the surrounding urban context.
The design commission was awarded following a competitive selection process. Other internationally renowned firms shortlisted included Foster + Partners, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Selldorf Architects, Sellen Architects, and Farshid Moussavi Architecture. Concurrently, competitions for other major cultural and urban projects remain highly active, such as MVRDV, Heatherwick Studio, and Mecanoo being shortlisted for a sustainable landmark project in Rotterdam, and RSHP leading the redevelopment design of the La Défense riverbank area in Paris.
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