Designed by Jorn Utzon this prize winning design of 1957 was
finally finished and opened on 20th october 1973.
Financed largely by Lotteries with construction being over 14
years, endless problems with costs, schedules, and the design
philosophy forced Utzon to withdrew from the project.
After he left the design was changed but the essence of Utzon's
original design remains, the design being Expressionist Modern,
tile-clad concrete and precast concrete, with its distinctive
roof line..
The Opera house has a Concert Hall which seats 2690, an Opera
Theatre seating 1547, Drama Theatre, Playhouse and restaurants.
In 2003 he was awarded the Pritzker Prize, architectures equivalent
of the Nobel Prize. The Pritzker Prize site
has an excellent bio for Jorn Utzon here. Now aged 85 he is a
reclusive figure.
In 2002 a restoration which cost millions was bgun, and included the
completion of the reception room according to Utzon's original design. An
enormous tapestry inspired by Raphael's Procession to Calvary envisioned
by Utzon was woven and installed in 2004.
Click here for the
official site of the Sydney Opera House
The Age Newspaper 23/09/03: Opera House to get an Utzon interior After 30 years, the Sydney Opera House will soon have its
first interior designed by the building's architect - a transformed
reception hall that brings to life Joern Utzon's original vision
for his masterpiece.
The hall - shown in a series of plans marked, poignantly, Utzon
Associates - will be completed within about six months. The first
and only "true" Utzon-designed interior is revealed
in a development appliication to Planning NSW, to go on exhibition
today.
It was prepared by Utzon, 85, with Sydney firm of Johnson Pilton
Walker. After its $4.5 million refurbishment, it will be included
in guided tours of the house, a spokeswoman said.
The Opera House consists of the following::
THE CONCERT HALL
with a maximum seating capacity of 2679 with approximately 2100 seats in front
of the stage. The Platform is 14m to 17 m wide and 11m deep with
stage extensions which can be added. THE OPERA THEATRE
has an orchestra pit which accommodates up to 70 musicians - maximum seating
capacity of 1507 and its stage is 17.5 m deep. Two lifts at the rear of the
stage can add 7m to the stage depth and the front section of the pit can
be raised to stage level to increase the performance area. DRAMA THEATRE
has a maximum seating capacity of 544 in 19 rows. and the stage is 14m deep. PLAYHOUSE
has a maximum seating capacity of 398 in 17 rows and the stage area has a
maximum depth of 7m. THE STUDIO
is a contemporary performing arts venue, suitable for cabaret, small
theatrical productions and spoken word presentation. It has a maximum
seating capacity from 220 to 350. UTZON ROOM
features a specially designed 14 metre wide floor-to-ceiling wool tapestry
designed by Utzon. EXHIBITION HALL
has maximum standing capacity of up to 300 and is designed for Displays and
Exhibitions. FORECOURT
is a spectacular open-air venue with breathtaking harbor views. It measures 85m
x 25m and has been used for concerts and special events such as New Year's Eve.
Other Buildings Designed by Jorn Utzon include: Bank MelhiTeheran
Kuwait House of Parliament
Bagsuaerd Church Copenhagen
Paustian's House of Furniture Copenhagen
Zurich Schausspielhaus
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