Wednesday 9 February 2011

Tour of the Sage Gateshead

We held the final session of our current Advisory Panel at the Sage Gateshead yesterday. In addition to discussions on CAD, online specification systems and proposed enhancements to NBS and RIBAProductSelector.com, we also were fortunate enough to get a tour of the building by Peter Udall from Gateshead Council who had been project manager of the construction.


It was fascinating how:
  • Gateshead was chosen for the development. After proving they could make big projects such as The Angel of the North, The Baltic and the Millenium Bridge happen they had an excellent track record. Also having land in such a prime location available overlooking the Tyne helped win the bid.
  • Gateshead had three main reports, the cost consultants, the lead designers (Fosters) and the specialist acoustic designers (Arup). From the start they made it clear that the quality of the acoustics and the accessibility to the public were the number one priorities.
  • In terms of the acoustics, it has been designed so well, that many international musicians rate The Sage in the top 10 or even top three venues for acoustics world-wide. Gateshead are happy they have achieved the aim of providing a truly world class venue.
  • In terms of accessibility, the public can always walk through the main concourse, it's not an exclusive location. For all of the events put on by Gateshead there are always tickets for £7.50 available. 

The main music hall from the drinks reception area on level 1

Peter Udall shows 16 architects around the venue - a tough audience

The magnificent coloured glass balustrade that was fitted recently to line the concourse

Impressive reinforced concrete rolling base

The main concert hall - a world class venue

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