From the start, Foster and Partners design brief for the performance spaces was to accommodate a broad spectrum of events:
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from classical to jazz;
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folk and world music;
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both amplified and acoustic,
placing emphasis on delivering un-paralleled sound for allmusic types.
To achieve this, three main halls were incorporated into the design as separate structures under one roof.
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Each hall is separated from the other by acoustical isolation joints ensuring noise cannot be transferred from one hall to the next.
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This is achieved seamlessly under the overarching roof structure, which is also not directly connected to the halls themselves.
How interior design complements acoustic performance
The design team worked extensively to ensure that the acoustic performance was complemented by the interior design.
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A palette of solid ash, moulded plywood and rich cloth is used throughout, with each hall themed
by colour to create a triptych of inspiring interiors.
Hall One
Hall One is a classic rectangular hall, the 'shoe-box' room shape and fittings are optimised for the classical orchestra repertoire.
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The narrow side balconies and exposed side walls help to promote lateral reflections, wherever you listen from you hear the same rich sound.
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The fixed platform is designed to accommodate a classical/chamber orchestra with an extension incorporated to accommodate the larger symphony orchestra.
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However, considerable flexibility of use was also built in, so that concerts with amplified music, conferences, staged and dance events can also be held without acoustical compromise.
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As well as maximising revenue, it is hoped that this will encourage audience cross-over from popular music into the more demanding classical music.
Hall Two
Hall Two also has a flexible mandate, providing a setting for more intimate musical events such as chamber music, jazz, world music and folk.
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The innovative design incorporates a galleried space for 400 on three levels, with a five-sided form at stage level evolving into ten sides above.
The Northern Rock Foundation Hall
The third main performance space is the Northern Rock Foundation Hall, an intimate rectangular hall, built with flexibility of use in mind.
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Designed as the primary rehearsal space for
Northern Sinfonia, it can also accommodate an audience of between 200-300 people seated on a flat floor.
Air Conditioning
The main halls are the only spaces in the building that are air conditioned. Because of the need for absolute silence, the mechanical plant rooms are housed separately in physically de-coupled parts of the building.
Conditioned air is fed to the auditoria through large ducts at very slow speed, to ensure absolute silence and ensure the audience hears only the music.
Thanks to The Sage Gateshead, the North East now has three of the most modern and best-equipped performance spaces in the country.