AUSTRALIA: Sydney Opera House

The iconic Sydney Opera House's unique white sail-shaped shells is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. 

It is one of the most-photographed buildings in the world. 

In 2007 the Opera House was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

The design and construction of the building is a long and complicated story. 

As all good stories go, there were unforeseen plot twists, including technical difficulties, delays, budget overruns, political agendas plus oversized and bruised egos. 

It began in 1956 when the state government sponsored an international competition for a design that was to include a building with two halls—one primarily for concerts, large musical and dance productions, and the other hall for dramatic presentations and smaller musical events. 

Architects from 28 countries submitted 223 entries. In January 1957 Danish architect Jorn Utzon's entry was selected (out of the "reject pile".)  

He had a dramatic design with two main halls side by side facing out to the harbour on a large podium. Each hall was topped with a row of sail-shaped interlocking panels that would serve as both roof and wall.

The original cost and scheduling estimates in 1957 projected a cost of AUD$7 million and completion date for Australia Day (January 26th) 1963. 

Construction began in 1959.

BUT.... 

The unique design posed a variety of problems. Cost overruns and structural engineering difficulties plagued the project. There were many delays. 

The project grew controversial, and public opinion turned against it for a period of time. 

Amid continuing disagreements with the changing government authorities overseeing the project, the Danish architect, Utzon, resigned in 1966, already 3 years behind schedule. 

Another engineering firm and architectural team was hired to complete the complicated design.

Construction continued another 7 years, (yes, ANOTHER SEVEN YEARS.) 

The building was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth on October 20th, 1973. A large crowd attended. 

The opening was televised and included fireworks and a performance of Beethoven's symphony No. 9. 

Interestingly, Utzon, the original architect that designed the concept of the structure, was not invited to the ceremony. Nor was his name mentioned. 

So from the selection of the design in 1957 until completion in 1973 there was 16 years of turmoil. 

The multipurpose performing arts facility has several venues under it's sails. 

The largest venue, is the Concert Hall with 2,679-seats. It hosts symphony concerts, choir performances, and popular music shows. 

The Opera Theatre, with just over 1,500 seats, hosts opera and dance performances, including ballet. 

In addition, there are three theatres of different sizes and configurations for stage plays, film screenings, and smaller musical performances. 

There are three resident companies: Opera Australia, the Sydney Theatre Company, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.  

There is also an outdoor performance area, restaurants and a professional recording studio. The building hosts well over 1,500 performances annually, attended by more than 1.2 million people. 

I found the tiles on the outer shell interesting. 

Though the shells appear uniformly white from a distance, they actually feature a subtle chevron pattern. They are composed of 1,056,006 tiles in two colours: glossy white and matte cream.

The tiles themselves were manufactured in Sweden. It took three years of development to produce the effect Utzon wanted. They are made from clay with a small percentage of crushed stone.

So, as in all good stories, there has to be some suspense.

Here is the answer to the question everyone has been waiting for... 

"How much did it cost?"

The original cost and scheduling estimates in 1957 projected a cost of AUD $7 million and completion date of 26 January 1963.  

In reality, the project was completed ten years late, in 1973, with a total cost of AUD $102 million. 

It was 1,357% over budget in real terms!

If you are interested in more details, check out this site: 

https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/civil-engineering-magazine/issues/magazine-issue/article/2022/09/australias-sydney-opera-house-hits-all-the-right-notes