Tay Whale

Tay Whale

The Tay Whale sculpture, located at the heart of the new waterfront development in Dundee, stands proudly beside the stunning new V&A Dundee museum. Lee was fortunate to win a prestigious design competition last year, which called for a highly multifaceted brief. The project required an innovative design for a 650 m² interactive digital play park as well as a landmark sculpture that would serve as both a canopy and a beacon for this prominent public space along the waterfront.

The design captures the unique essence of Dundee’s rich historical and contemporary cultural heritage. It reflects the city’s pioneering achievements in the gaming, design, and creative industries, its historic Antarctic expeditions, and even more complex aspects of its past, such as the whaling industry that once played a crucial role in supporting Dundee’s thriving jute trade. These historical elements, although controversial, are openly acknowledged and thoughtfully reinterpreted in a positive and constructive light for the 21st century.

One inspiring example of this reinterpretation is the groundbreaking research being carried out by the University of St Andrews, which focuses on understanding whale communication through the study of whale songs. This fascinating research offers deeper insight into these majestic marine mammals and fosters a stronger connection to the natural world—encouraging conservation efforts, environmental awareness, and sustainable practices.

Visitors to the Tay Whale sculpture and digital play park can engage with interactive installations that celebrate Dundee’s cultural history, creativity, and ongoing commitment to innovation. This landmark serves not only as a powerful reminder of the city’s maritime past but also as an inspiring symbol of Dundee’s vibrant future as a center for art, science, and technology.

Watch the documentary video series here that chronicles the entire journey from conception to installation