Sydney Opera House (a beginning)
What sparked my interest in architecture for the first time, at the age of 12 years old, was a calendar that had a picture of the Sydney Opera House on it. I started to think, visualize and wonder about the shape of that bizarre-looking building. How was it possible to achieve, what for me was unfeasible, that kind of perfection. Through many times of searching and looking at pictures of every possible angle of that building I fell more and more in love with it.
A modern expressionist design, with an erratic roof structure, which naturally reminded me of sailing boats and shells. Being near the ocean, the whiteness of the iconic building contrasts the calming blue color.
As I mentioned before that my curiosity around this center kept rising, I discovered that one of the architects, Utzon had a Nordic sense of concern for nature which he showed in his designs. His fascination with the architectural legacies of the ancient Mayas, the Islamic world, China, and Japan also informed his practice. As I felt more connected than ever considering my interest in history and architecture legacies, my critical thinking arose. I did not think of past events and architecture as separate anymore. As I came to even bigger realizations concerning art and its imitation of life I found what I was looking for. Utzon comparing his approach to the growth patterns of nature was my answer. "If it grows naturally, the architecture will look after itself."
The details make the design. This is demonstrated by the shells which are covered with 1,056,066 ceramic tiles made in Sweden from clay and crushed stone. Along with the placement of the tiles, it took eleven years to complete the iconic roof structure. The design of the ‘shells’ was arguably the most difficult part of the building’s design. Jorn Utzon affirmed that the design of the shells was inspired by peeling an orange. It is also said that the shells of the 14 separate roofs, form a sphere if combined.
The diagram below shows how the design from orange peel to ‘shell’ roof evolved.
Construction posed many problems because of its innovative design and people were against it for a time. The work being delayed, the controversy and many disagreements were obstacles that confirmed my belief that nothing good was ever easy, or in this case great. This building has inspired me in so many ways and it really was the beginning of a new vision for my life.