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It is generally agreed that Sydney, Australia is located around one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors. It is also acknowledged that the harbor itself is aptly complemented by one of the world’s most eye-catching1 buildings. Indeed, the distinctive, concrete, shell-like structure of the Sydney Opera House has made it the internationally recognized symbol of Australia’s largest city.
The Opera House triumphantly embodies the notion that a building is a work of art. Situated on a small strip of land that juts outsintosthe harbor, and soaring to a height of about 67 meters, the shells give substance to Danish architect Jorn Utzon’s vision of a ship’s sails.
In 1957, Utzon won an international competition organized by the state government of New South Wales to design a performing-arts complex.2 Entrants were told that the structure had to contain two theaters seating approximately 3,000 and 1,200 people respectively. Other than that, architects were free to use any approach3 they liked. Utzon’s innovative design was selected from among 233 entries from around the world.
Construction of the building took considerably longer than planned. Utzon dropped out of the project in 1966 after a series of disputes4 with the government. After many delays, the Sydney Opera House was finally opened in 1973. Now containing five theaters, it has evolvedsintosthe busiest performing arts center in the world.
--by Martin Kelly
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