nomination by the Government of Australia - Sydney Opera House
nomination by the Government of Australia - Sydney Opera House
nomination by the Government of Australia - Sydney Opera House
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3.34 3.35<br />
The setting <strong>of</strong> Bennelong Point and <strong>Sydney</strong> Harbour<br />
forms an intrinsic part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> outstanding universal<br />
value <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>House</strong>. Utzon’s design<br />
is a sensitive and brilliant response to <strong>the</strong> landscape<br />
creating a grand urban sculpture with its platform and<br />
cave-like shells that invite inhabitation. Utzon used<br />
architecture to create a unique landscape form. <strong>Sydney</strong><br />
Harbour is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world’s most magnifi cent harbours<br />
and <strong>the</strong> design produces wonderful vistas that are<br />
experienced both from inside and outside <strong>the</strong> building.<br />
The <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>House</strong> is <strong>of</strong> outstanding universal<br />
value for its achievements in structural engineering<br />
and building technology. Utzon’s genius is evident<br />
in his experimental methodology and work style<br />
which were inextricably linked to his radical design.<br />
His approach helped to inspire engineering solutions<br />
and technological innovations that were necessary<br />
to transform <strong>the</strong> initial design into a reality. The<br />
construction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> gigantic podium and <strong>the</strong><br />
unprecedented and complex shell structure with<br />
ceramic tile cladding and hanging glass walls were all<br />
exceptional technological triumphs. They were made<br />
possible <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> pioneering <strong>of</strong> new building methods and<br />
machinery and innovative structural engineering analysis<br />
and testing using new computerised technology and<br />
processes. These feats enabled Utzon’s radical design<br />
concept to become a reality. The <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>House</strong><br />
represents one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most demanding and innovative<br />
structures in modern architecture.<br />
Figure 3.34 The <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>House</strong> is a signifi cant work<br />
<strong>of</strong> structural engineering and technology.<br />
The <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>House</strong> is an exceptional<br />
representative <strong>of</strong> late Modernism that was evolving at<br />
<strong>the</strong> time. It endures as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world’s most highly<br />
acclaimed buildings <strong>of</strong> that architectural trend. Utzon’s<br />
design was a most signifi cant step in <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong><br />
modern architecture. The <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>House</strong> exudes<br />
creativity, emotion and feeling along with its spectacular<br />
sculptural, functional and powerful geometric forms.<br />
The <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>House</strong> is an outstanding example<br />
<strong>of</strong> 20th century cultural heritage. Its power to fascinate<br />
and excite is universal and it belongs to <strong>the</strong> world<br />
as a great artistic monument and an iconic building.<br />
The <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>Opera</strong> <strong>House</strong> has become a building<br />
that inspires and delights people around <strong>the</strong> world<br />
and attracts people to explore its many remarkable<br />
features. It could be seen as making a contribution to<br />
architecture as an expression <strong>of</strong> universal culture. Like<br />
<strong>the</strong> Finnish master Alvar Aalto, Utzon created a building<br />
that is accessible to society at large. The <strong>Sydney</strong> <strong>Opera</strong><br />
<strong>House</strong> has been infl uential in architecture with o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
striving to replicate its success.<br />
Figure 3.35 The powerful geometric forms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Sydney</strong><br />
<strong>Opera</strong> <strong>House</strong><br />
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