Located between the landmark buildings of the Sage Gateshead Concert Hall and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, this 125m-long pedestrian link not only connects the two main attractions but also serves as a storyteller for Gateshead and the River Tyne. With a prominent shipbuilding history along the river in the 1930s-80s, the inspiration for the design came from the wakes of a newly built ocean liner passing by the River Tyne. Various features, including a cave-like shelter, panoramic viewpoint and busking area, also echo the development of Gateshead.

The experience of a journey resembles the wakes when a ship cruises. How memorable a journey is depends on the intensity of events. If the journey is dull, the experience will be less memorable. In contrast, the journey will be remarkable if it is intense or exciting. Similarly, the “wakes” generated would be more prominent when the ship is full speed ahead.

In addition, the typology of the surroundings, namely the bridges and the SAGE, also influences the design, giving coherence to the context.

With the changeable weather in Gateshead and a lack of shelter along the River Tyne, a prominent covered walkway is designed accordingly. The inspiration came from the evolution of mine caves in County Durham since the 18th century, symbolising the beginning of the story of Gateshead. On a sunny day, as illustrated, a beam of light from the oval exit will shine into the shelter, guiding the users and indicating they begin the journey.