Robin Snell and Partners

The centre is an open plan showcase for design with all activities taking place within one enclosure. The exhibition hall is a full height space with separate access from the quayside through large sliding glass doors facing the Tyne Bridge. The cafe, bookshop and main entrance link with the exhibition space and are capable of subdivision.

The building is designed to be visually and physically accessible, inviting and clearly legible from inside and outside.

The pavilion is naturally ventilated and makes maximum use of the free fresh air available on the riverside site. At night the underside of the fabric roof is illuminated and becomes a large reflector bouncing light off its shiny surface onto the surrounding quayside.