Utzon’s design solved a traditional problem of differing height requirements in theatres. The stage tower needs enough vertical height for scenery to be hoisted above the stage. Yet the roofs over audience seating were usually lower and the foyers lower again. Utzon’s three sets of shells resolved this difficulty. Until he won the competition Utzon had mainly worked on large-scale residential developments.
The winner was announced in January 1957, and construction stated in March 1959. It was originally envisaged that it would take four years to build and cost $7 million; in fact, it took 16 years to complete and cost over $100 million.
The construction proceeded in slow stages. Utzon objected to the start as he had not yet completed the designs for the structure, but the government insisted that construction get under way, and so it did! This was not the only problem. The government changed its requirements from two theatres to four theatres after construction had started. There were technical/structural problems with the original design. After four years research, Utzon altered the design of the roof vaults so that the roofs were able to be constructed in a pre-cast fashion, greatly reducing both time and cost. It was also difficult to provide accurate costings and Utzon was criticised (probably unfairly) for the cost overruns that occurred.
A Liberal government led by Robin Askin replaced the Labor government in May 1965. Davis Hughes, from the Country Party, was appointed Minister for Public Works. Askin and Hughes had both campaigned against the cost of the project. Hughes sought to place rigorous controls over the construction. For example, he and the Public Works Department would not allow money for the building of plywood mock-ups of an ingenious new ceiling construction for the main halls. The result was that Utzon was unable to develop his concepts for the interiors, and the building works stagnated.
Utzon felt he had no option but to resign, which he did in February 1966 as Stage II was nearing completion. A team of Australian architects led by Peter Hall took over and, after an extensive review of the proposed functions of the building, proceeded with its completion.
The end result was a startling piece of architecture considered to be one of the great buildings of the world. However, the inside of the building is considered by many to be pedestrian and certainly not to the standard of the outside. Also the departure of Utzon and the appointment of local architects undoubtedly delayed the completion of the opera house and dramatically increased its costs.
The Sydney Opera House was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973.
In 1998 the New South Wales Labor government approached Utzon to oversee planned renovations to the building. Premier Bob Carr offered Utzon the final say on all design principles in the 10 year, $66 million renovations contract. Particular reference was made to the need to upgrade the acoustics of the two main theatres. It is apparent from the size of the budget that the government does not intend to revert to Utzon’s original plans for the interiors.
Source: Robbins S, P, Bergman R, Stagg I, & Coulter M 2003, Foundations of management, Pearson Education, Frenchs Forest
