Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is a great
architectural work of the 20th century that brings together multiple strands of
creativity and innovation in both architectural form and structural design. A
great urban sculpture set in a remarkable waterscape, at the tip of a peninsula
projecting into Sydney Harbour, the building has had an enduring influence on
architecture. The Sydney Opera House comprises three groups of interlocking
vaulted ‘shells’ which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant. These
shell-structures are set upon a vast platform and are surrounded by terrace
areas that function as pedestrian concourses. In 1957, when the project of the
Sydney Opera House was awarded by an international jury to Danish architect
Jørn Utzon, it marked a radically new approach to construction.
Outstanding Universal
Value
The Sydney Opera House constitutes a masterpiece of 20th
century architecture. Its significance is based on its unparalleled design and
construction; its exceptional engineering achievements and technological
innovation and its position as a world-famous icon of architecture. It is a
daring and visionary experiment that has had an enduring influence on the
emergent architecture of the late 20th century. Utzon's original design concept
and his unique approach to building gave impetus to a collective creativity of
architects, engineers and builders. Ove Arup's engineering achievements helped
make Utzon's vision a reality. The design represents an extraordinary
interpretation and response to the setting in Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Opera
House is also of outstanding universal value for its achievements in structural
engineering and building technology. The building is a great artistic monument
and an icon, accessible to society at large.
Criterion (i): The Sydney Opera House is a great
architectural work of the 20th century. It represents multiple strands of
creativity, both in architectural form and structural design, a great urban
sculpture carefully set in a remarkable waterscape and a world famous iconic
building.
All elements necessary to express the values of the Sydney
Opera House are included within the boundaries of the nominated area and buffer
zone. This ensures the complete representation of its significance as an
architectural object of great beauty in its waterscape setting. The Sydney
Opera House continues to perform its function as a world-class performing arts
centre. The Conservation Plan specifies the need to balance the roles of the
building as an architectural monument and as a state of the art performing
centre, thus retaining its authenticity of use and function. Attention given to
retaining the building's authenticity culminated with the Conservation Plan and
the Utzon Design Principles.
The Sydney Opera House was included in the National
Heritage List in 2005 under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 and on the State Heritage Register of New South Wales in
2003 under the Heritage Act 1977. Listing in the National Heritage List implies
that any proposed action to be taken inside or outside the boundaries of a
National Heritage place or a World Heritage property that may have a
significant impact on the heritage values is prohibited without the approval of
the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. A buffer zone has been
established.
The present state of conservation is very good. The
property is maintained and preserved through regular and rigorous repair and
conservation programmes. The management system of the Sydney Opera House takes
into account a wide range of measures provided under planning and heritage
legislation and policies of both the Australian Government and the New South
Wales Government. The Management Plan for the Sydney Opera House, the
Conservation Plan and the Utzon Design Principles together provide the policy
framework for the conservation and management of the Sydney Opera House.
whc.unesco.org
Post a Comment