nomination by the Government of Australia - Sydney Opera House

Figure 10.12
1967–1973
Stage 3: construction of the glass walls and
interiors takes place.
1968
The New South Wales Government
allocates ‘final’ funding for the completion of
the project. This leads to the establishment
of a hierarchy of treatment throughout the
building that ensures quality in the three
most important areas (exteriors, auditoria,
public spaces) and economy in the
administration, artists’ and service areas.
1973
Queen Elizabeth II opens the Sydney Opera
House on 20 October 1973. Around 300
journalists from around the world visit the
building in its inaugural period.
1979
The organ is installed in the Concert Hall (at
the time, it is the largest mechanical-action
pipe organ in the world).
Figure 10.12 The opening of the Sydney
Opera House in 1973
Figure 10.13 Figure 10.14
1986–1988
The land approach and forecourt are reconstructed and the lower concourse
developed under the supervision of the then New South Wales Government
Architect, Andrew Andersons, with contributions by Peter Hall.
1993
James Semple Kerr is commissioned to write a conservation plan for the Sydney
Opera House. A long-planned car park to service the Sydney Opera House is
constructed underground at the adjacent Royal Botanic Gardens.
1998–1999
The recording and rehearsal room is converted into two areas: an assembly area for
the orchestra and the Studio, a revitalised performance space for the presentation
of innovative music and performing arts.
1998
The Sydney Opera House celebrates its 25th anniversary. The Sydney Opera
House Trust appoints Sydney architect Richard Johnson to advise on future
development of the site and to establish planning principles. Through Johnson,
the Trust begins negotiations to reconcile with Utzon and to re-engage him with
the building in an advisory capacity. Johnson visits Utzon at his home in Majorca
for lengthy discussions.
1999
Utzon formally accepts Premier Carr’s invitation to re-engage with the project by
setting down design principles that outline his vision for the building and explain the
principles behind his design. Over three years he works with his architect son and
business partner, Jan Utzon, and Richard Johnson to draw up his design principles
for the Sydney Opera House.
Figure 10.13 Jørn and son Jan Utzon discussing the Sydney Opera House in 2004
2002
The Sydney Opera House Trust releases
the Utzon Design Principles (Utzon 2002)
simultaneously with the six-part Venue
improvement plan and the announcement by
Premier Carr of New South Wales Government
funding to:
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refurbish the reception hall (guided by
Jørn Utzon)
construct the western loggia
explore options for improving the Concert
Hall acoustics
improve services to the forecourt to
support performances
modify the orchestra pit and interior of the
Opera Theatre.
2004
Refurbishment of the Utzon Room (formerly
known as the reception hall) is completed. Work
starts on the western loggia. Utzon begins work
on concept designs for the Opera Theatre.
Figure 10.14 Construction boards for the
western loggia in 2004, with Jørn Utzon
named as architect
Figure 10.15 The Sydney Opera House in its harbour setting
Figure 10.15