Opera House Dims Lights in Memory of Designer

The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge illuminated. (Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

This week, Sydney’s Opera House dimmed the lights on its shells and the flags flew at half-mast on the Harbour Bridge in memory of Jørn Utzon, the famous building’s designer. The Danish minister of culture said Mr Utzon died on November 29 from a heart attack, at the age of 90, in Copenhagen.

In a media release, the Chairman of Sydney Opera House Trust, Kim Williams paid tribute to the visionary Danish architect.

“Jørn Utzon was an architectural and creative genius who gave Australia and the world a great gift.

“It has become the most globally recognized symbol of our country.”

Mr Utzon, a Danish architect and winner of an international competition with his white nautical shell design, left Australia seven years before the opera house’s completion date in 1973.

The unusual shape of the internationally acclaimed performing arts venue required cutting edge engineering expertise and was revolutionary in its vision.

The vaulted roof shells were designed by Mr Utzon, but built in collaboration with internationally renowned engineers Ove Arup & Partners.

High regard for the architect was not evident during the building stage. Controversy surrounded the project, with the blow out costs from the initial budget of $7 million to more than $100 million Australian dollars.

Design arguments and government control over the project led to Mr Utzon’s resignation, he left Australia never to return. The project took 14 years to complete.

In this week’s Sydney Opera House’s tribute, the architect’s words, on his vision, gives us an insight into his thoughts,

“I have made a sculpture ... you will never be finished with it when you pass it around or see it against the sky ... something new goes on all the time ... together with the sun, the light and the clouds, it makes a living thing.” Jørn Utzon.

In 1999 Mr Utzon and his son, Jan, were re-engaged to work on the Opera House renovations and improvements. His son traveling to Australia to oversee the work, updating the interior to the original designs.

In 2003 Utzon received the Pritzker Prize, international architecture’s highest honour.Mr Utzon was further honored when the Opera House was placed on the World Heritage List, in 2007.

Australia’s Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, in his tribute said the Opera House is one of the most internationally recognizable symbols,

“Utzon’s vision has brought pride to all Australians and many beyond our shores.” he said.

Mr Utzon is survived by his wife and their three children and several grandchildren.

Tributes from those knew the architect and emails from around the world continue to appear on the Opera House website: [email protected]