The SAGE, Gateshead
About the Project
- Principal designer: Foster and Partners
- Client: Gateshead Council
- Principal contractor: Laing O'Rourke
- Principal engineer: Connell Mott MacDonald
- Contract value: £70 million
The SAGE fulfilled its client's three main aims for the project: an international centre for musical performance and education with acoustically excellent auditoria; a major public building that was accessible for all; and the centrepiece of the regenerated Tyneside area.
The 17,500m² scheme features a wave-like roof which hugs acoustically separate interior volumes of three auditoria, fronted by an 'urban living room' concourse with cafés, bars, shops, and box office.
The 1,650-seat concert hall, 400-seat performance space and rehearsal hall were designed after consultation with musicians.
The project is 97 per cent accessible, with extensive wheelchair provision and an infrared system for those with hearing impairments.
The roof, an entirely independent structure supported by four structural steel arches spanning 80m from north to south, is covered with 3,000 linen-finish stainless steel and 280 glass cladding panels.
Sustainable design features included heat recovery on ventilation plants, a high degree of thermal insulation and low energy lighting. This contributed to an estimated annual operating energy consumption 40 per cent lower than existing best practice.
The Judges said:
"This striking series of auditoria is the latest project in the revitalisation of Gateshead Riverside, providing an impressive architectural complement to the Millennium Bridge."