The construction of this architectural staple of the Quayside marked a time of resurgence and change for the arts in Newcastle and Gateshead.

Managed and programmed by the North Music Trust, the Sage is an internationally known concert venue that offers music of a wide range of genres.

The site of this giant glass, multi-domed building was once home to a rope and wire factory.

The project was conceived in 1997 to revitalise Gateshead, by building a state-of-the-art concert venue in the unused industrial area.

The venue opened to the public seven years later in 2004 and has since become not only a recognisable architectural landmark, but also a renowned music entertainment destination in the area.

The appearance of this building incited mixed reviews by locals, but the acoustic innovation by architect Norman Foster cannot be denied.

The building was designed with acoustic perfection in mind and involved acoustician Raj Patel in its planning and construction.

The main and largest hall features waved walls to control sound reverberations and floating, moveable ceiling panels that can be raised and lowered to change the acoustics of the room.

The three halls also do not share any walls and are essentially three separate buildings encased in a glass bubble.

This eliminates the transfer of sound allowing the Sage to conduct multiple concerts at the same time. The building itself is made of a specially constructed concrete that has extra air bubbles designed to improve both acoustics and sound proofing.

Through architectural innovation and a desire to rejuvenate the art scene along the Tyne, the Sage Gateshead has become a vibrant and important addition to the musical culture of Newcastle upon Tyne.