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ARCHITECT: JORN UTZON (1957-1973) WORLD HERITAGE SITE (2007)
Some people report Architect Jorn Utzon wanted the Sydney Opera House to try and capture the essence of sails... others say sea shells.
Either way, the iconic exterior of the Sydney Opera House singularly represents the lively essence of Sydney's harbor and city skyline.
For me, the real surprise was that the concrete shells of the roof line are covered with tiles.
The guide explained that a unique method of attaching the tiles was developed that allows for rain and moisture to travel between the tiles
onto a vapor barrier that directs it downward and through a plumbed system back to the harbor.
We also learned that the tiles were purposely finished in an off-white so that sunlight reflecting off the sails would not blind sailers and city dwellers.
Although the original contest winning design had the sails floating over the base without walls, the finished glass walls seem to perfectly fit and, more-over, enhance the design>
The vertical and sloping glass walls nicely reflect the beautiful sights of the harbor.
The temple-like stepped platforms on which the roof sections are mounted tie the dynamic "sails" to the earth creating a spiritual transition from everyday life to the unworldly Opera House.
It is said that Utzon was influenced by Aztec and Mayan temples he had seen in his travels.
TRAVEL: 2018...
This location has earned a five star (excellent) rating from
Travel Fanatics Unlimited
*****
unless noted otherwise all images copyright d. holmes chamberlin jr architect llc
South elevation from the Allen Lewis Fountain at the foot of Tarpeian Way, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
Northeast elevation from the harbor, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
North elevation from the harbor, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
West elevation from the harbor, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
Southeast elevation from the quay, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
South elevation from bottom of the steps, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
Southwest elevation of Bennelong restaurant pod, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
Roof detail, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
Northeast elevation of Bennelong restaurant in the evening, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
East elevation of Bennelong Restaurant pod from steps in front of Sutherland Theatre pod, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
Window facade detail, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
Window facade detail at Joan Sutherland Theatre lobby, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
The structure comes alive at night with dynamic lighting, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
Me, Sydney Opera House, Syndey, New South Wales, Australia, 2018.
copyright d. holmes chamberlin jr architect llc
page last revised april 2018