* In 1955, the NSW Government held an international design competition for a new performing arts centre in Sydney.
* Danish architect Jørn Utzon's design was selected as the winner from 233 entries.
2. Construction:
* Construction of the Sydney Opera House began in 1959.
* The roof structure, consisting of 1,056 precast concrete shells, was one of the most challenging aspects of the project.
* To support the weight of the roof, a series of concrete ribs were used, creating the iconic sail-like shape.
3. Materials and engineering:
* The Sydney Opera House is made of over 1 million tiles, most of which are a cream-coloured glazed terracotta.
* The roof is made of concrete, which was precast in segments and lifted into place using a gantry crane.
* The structure is supported by a series of concrete piers, which were sunk into the bedrock beneath the site.
4. Challenges and delays:
* The construction of the Sydney Opera House was a complex and challenging project, which faced a number of delays.
* One major challenge was the design of the roof, which required the development of new engineering techniques and materials.
* Another challenge was the location of the site, which is on Bennelong Point, a peninsula jutting out into Sydney Harbour.
5. Completion:
* Despite the challenges, the Sydney Opera House was completed and officially opened on 20 October 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II.
* The total cost of the project was over $102 million, making it one of the most expensive buildings in the world at the time.
The Sydney Opera House is considered a masterpiece of modern architecture and one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for any visitor to Sydney.