Sydney’s Opera House is one of the world’s most iconic buildings.
But it could have been very different. Entries in the 1956 international architecture competition included the following:
I’m so glad they picked the design they did – it’s interesting, distinctive and looks great from every angle. And we explored some more angles today, getting up close and personal with the tiled, concrete structure:
Interesting facts about Sydney Opera House:
- The original cost estimate was $7m… but it actually cost $102m to build (gulp!)
- Construction was supposed to take 4 years… but it actually took 14 years
- It’s cooled using seawater taken directly from the harbour
- More than 1 million roof tiles cover the c.1.62 hectares sitting over the structure – the tiles were made in Sweden
Our visit gave us a chance to recreate an iconic photo: Rudy had his picture taken here about 20 years ago. Unfortunately, we didn’t bring a copy with us, so I’ll have to wait until I get home to find out if this came close:
The walk to the Opera House also afforded wonderful views of another iconic landmark – the Sydney Harbour Bridge:
And great views back to Circular Quay:
Great views were also to be had from the Royal Botanic Gardens:
And this tree looked familiar:
But wasn’t. I thought it was a baobab, but it’s a bottle tree.
A very sociable ibis paid us a visit, too:
As the day drew to the a close, you could see a grey haze in the air. Not sure whether it’s dust, or the smoke from the fires:
We’d taken the boat into the city that morning – a wonderful way to travel:
And back via the bus. They have two touch points at the entrance, which makes boarding even more efficient than London.
We were lucky – didn’t plan, but just caught the last bus home. Great day.
Random stuff from today:
A smart bin that charges in the sunlight and then periodically crushes the contents:
A postcard that demonstrated the vastness of this country by super-imposing it on Europe:
Punters are sprayed to keep them cool (which would have worked if it wasn’t for the strong winds):
