Sydney Opera House – 45th Anniversary

Saturday 20th October was the 45th anniversary of one of the world´s most iconic buildings: the Sydney Opera House. The result of a UIA-endorsed competition in 1956, the Sydney Opera House has since become the youngest UNESCO World Heritage Site and today plays host to 11 million visitors a year. Constructed by about 10, 000 workers from 90 different countries, it is a building that epitomises diversity. Now at the mid-point of its 10-year renewal programme, the Opera House has achieved accessibility for all and a 75% cut in power consumption. The UIA pays its own tribute to this flagship UIA competition winner with a series of interviews and statements from people whose lives are entwined with it.
Happy birthday, Sydney Opera House.

To know more about the engineering of the Sydney Opera House read “How do you preserve an architectural icon for future generations?” by Arub.com

For the history of the original project see Jørn Utzon’s early drawings on Utzonphotos.com