The collection is focussed on the work of, and relationship between, Over Arup and Partners the chief structural engineers (Stages 1, 2, and 3), Jorn Utzon, architect for the Sydney Opera House (Stages 1 and 2), and Hall, Todd, Littlemore, architects (Stage 3).

Arup made possible the construction of the roof shells, based upon Utzon's ideas for the roof design, Arup's made the engineering calculations less difficult and precasting less costly (despite the enormous final cost of the project). Arup supported Utzon's ideas, when many professionals and politicians had concerns about the technical and political feasibility of the project.

The shell model demonstrates the nature of the geometry of the roof shells. The shells were all taken from the same sphere, and the removable shell sections provide an excellent visual representation of the roof geometry.

In turn, each shell was made up of a series of ribs. These 'rib models' were of crucial concern to the engineer, structurally and visually, as was the model of the segments.

The 'wind model' of the Opera House was used in studies by Ove Arup, which were concerned with estimates of the wind-pressure distribution over the shells for various wind directions. Wind analysis studies for the site were critical for both architect and engineer.

In general, the significance of this collection of engineering models, and portfolios of engineering and architectural drawings, cover the three-staged development of the Sydney Opera House, the changes in design after Utzon's departure in 1966, and the collection (in part) demonstrates the crucial role of modelling in architectural and engineering design. The provenance of the models especially, is to the engineers who collaborated with Utzon from the beginning of the Sydney Opera House.

These drawings and publications were produced by Jorn Oberg Utzon and Ove Arup and Partners in Denmark, Sydney and London between 1958 and 1966.

The drawings were used in the London and Sydney offices of Ove Arup and Partners.

There was no prior ownership of these items. They were developed by Ove Arup and Partners, Jorn Utzon, at various stages of the project.

Drawings and publications (2), for the Sydney Opera House, paper, Jorn Oberg Utzon / Ove Arup and Partners, Denmark / Sydney / London, 1958 - 1966

Two publications of working drawings and one cross-section drawing of the Sydney Opera House.

The first publication is titled 'Sydney National Opera House / Jorn Ulton Architect' and was published in 1958. It is prefaced with the following statement by Utzon (March, 1958);
'I am happy that with this book[,] I am able to give the Premier, the Right Honourable J.J. Cahill, and the Opera House Committee a project which realises in a practical form the vision of the competition. After interesting and intense work with various specialists, we are convinced that the far seeing aspirations and efforts of the Committee sponsors and other supporters of the scheme[,] can be crystallised in a building which, in a functional, festive, and inspiring manner, will shelter the activities and the life within it, and in doing so enhance the face of Sydney'. It contains 46 design drawings of the Sydney Opera House. The last page is ripped and has detached from the spine.

The second publication is titled 'Selection of Working Drawings for Roof Structure / Stage II / Sydney Opera House' and was prepared by Ove Arup and Partners, London & Sydney in May 1966. It contains 154 design drawings of the Sydney Opera House. Inside the front page is a sticker with 'Copy No. 4 of 10' typed on it.

The cross-section drawing is not titled but shows the evolution of the geometry of the roof for the Sydney Opera House for the periods, 1956, 1958-1960 and 1961-1963.

Maker: Utzon, Jorn; Denmark; 1958 - 1966

Maker: Utzon, Jorn; Sydney; 1958 - 1966

Maker: Utzon, Jorn; London, England; 1958 - 1966


User: Ove Arup and Partners; London, England

User: Ove Arup and Partners; Sydney

See part records for details.

2003/34/2

1958 - 1966