When one thinks of Australia they do not often think of displays of architecture that are known throughout the world but a modern marvel has changed that and is one of the world’s best concert halls. A true architectural feat, the Sydney Opera House showcases man’s ingenuity and handling of structural integrity.
The House has since 2007 enjoyed World Heritage Site status. The expansive and lavish structure can be recognized as easily as the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty or other well known monuments around the world. The Opera House is the paradigm symbol of Oz.
The house is located on Bennelong Point and its peak towers over the shoreline of the majority of Sydney’s skyline along the shore. The Danish architect Jorn Utzon designed the iconic structure and it looks like a ship at full sail. The Opera House was a difficult building to construct by Utzon but he met it head on.
In 1956 the Government held a competition for the design of the structure with hopes of attracting the best architects in the world. Two structures had to be designed, one for the opera and one for symphony concerts. Utzon won because of the nature of his outrageous design and had the honor of designing the Opera House.
The construction took years to build, with the top shells framework taking 8 years alone to finish. It took three years just to tile the shells properly. The design was not only visionary and unique but the construction had to exceed that in order for it to be built.
Everything seemed to be going wrong for the House where the construction was concerned. There were cost overruns, pressure from the Government and a change in opinion from the public. Utzon retired and left the building to other architects that included Ted Farmer who completed the glass and interiors walls of the building.
The structure was officially opened in 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II and was completely refurbished in 1999. The look remains the same even though it is in constant change. It has over 6225 square meters and 1000 rooms.
