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Architectural Buildings: 2 Famous Landmarks of Australia
2 Famous Landmarks of Australia
Australia, as a continent surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans, is home to many famous landmarks that reflect the country's rich history and cultural heritage. Each one showcases the country's unique architectural heritage and offers a glimpse into its history and culture.
In this blog post, we will explore 2 of the most marked Australia's famous buildings. Those are the most tourist destinations worldwide and are iconic architectural landmarks that reflect the refined culture of the country:
- The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic symbol of Australia, known for its distinctive sail-like design.
- The Queensland Cultural Centre, located in Brisbane, is home to several cultural institutions including the Queensland Museum, the State Library of Queensland, and the Queensland Art Gallery.
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| 2 famous landmarks of Australia, Photo Edited |
Sydney Opera House: Architectural Concept Design Facts
The Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Australia. Here are some interesting facts concerning its architectural concept design:
- The Sydney Opera House was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon in 1957, he was awarded the commission through an international competition.
- The building's iconic "shell" design was inspired by the shape of orange peels and the sails of boats. The shells are made of precast concrete and are covered in a total of 1,056,006 white Danish tiles.
- The Opera House is made up of five main performance platforms: the Concert Hall, the Opera Theatre, the Drama Theatre, the Playhouse, and the Studio.
- The Concert Hall is the largest of the venues and can seat 2,679 people. It is known for its exceptional acoustics and is home to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
- The Opera Theatre is the second largest venue, with a capacity of 1,507 seats. It is designed specifically for opera performances and features a proscenium arch stage.
- The design of the Sydney Opera House was considered to be very ambitious and complex, the construction took 14 years and cost more than $100 million AUD, which was significantly over the original budget and timeline.
- The Sydney Opera House was officially opened on October 20, 1973, by Queen Elizabeth II.
- In 2007, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a masterpiece of human creative genius.
- In 2016, a $202 million AUD renovation was completed, which included the installation of new seating, lighting, and sound systems, as well as the creation of new public spaces.
Project's Architectural Concept and Inspiration
The Sydney Opera House is not only an architectural marvel but also an important cultural landmark for the city of Sydney and for Australia as a whole. As noted earlier, the architectural concept design for the building was developed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon.
He won an international competition held in 1957 with his design, which featured a series of interconnected shells that resemble the sails of a ship.
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| Sydney Opera House lower floor plan, Photo from Pinterest |
The design was inspired by the natural landscape of Sydney Harbour and the waves of the nearby ocean. Construction of the structure began in 1959, but due to a number of complications, including cost overruns and design changes, it was not completed until 1973.
Despite these challenges, the Sydney Opera House has become one of the most iconic and recognizable buildings in the world, and it is considered a masterpiece of modern and contemporary architecture.
Queensland Cultural Centre divisions and usages
The Queensland Cultural Centre is a complex of cultural facilities located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The center includes the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), the Queensland Museum, and the State Library of Queensland.
The QPAC is the main forum for performing arts in the state and comprises several theatres, including the Lyric Theatre, the Concert Hall, and the Cremorne Theatre.
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| Queensland Cultural Centre in Brisbane, Australia. Photo: embark.org |
Architectural facts about Queensland Cultural Centre
The Queensland Cultural Centre was designed by a team of architects led by Australian architect Donald Crone. The design of the complex is characterized by its use of concrete, steel, and glass, and is considered an example of a modernist architectural style. The buildings are arranged around a central courtyard, creating a sense of openness and connection to the surrounding parkland.
While the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) comprises several theatres, each with its own unique architectural features, the Lyric Theatre, for example, is a traditional proscenium arch theatre with a capacity of around 1,400 seats. The Concert Hall, on the other hand, has a more modern design and features a distinctive curved roof.
The Queensland Museum and the State Library of Queensland are also notable for their architecture. It is designed in the form of a pyramid, with the entrance located at the base and the exhibits on the upper levels. The State Library of Queensland features a large atrium space, with a skylight that allows natural light to flood the interior.
Overall, the Queensland Cultural Centre is considered an important example of modern architecture in Australia and is well known for its use of concrete, steel, and glass.
Some other Australia Famous Landmarks to visit
Australia is home to a diverse range of architectural landmarks, each with its own unique design and history. Some notable examples include:
- MELBOURNE'S ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING: Constructed in 1880, the Royal Exhibition Building is an important example of Victorian architecture in Australia and was the main forum for the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880 and later the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia.
- THE ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE: Located in the heart of Melbourne, it is a performing arts complex that features a mix of Art Deco, Gothic, and contemporary architectural styles.
- SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE: Opened in 1932, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic steel arch bridge that spans the Sydney Harbour and is often referred to as "the Coathanger." (See photo below)
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| The Sydney Harbour Bridge during a sunset, Photo by Matt Waters |
- THE ADELAIDE OVAL: This is a stadium located in Adelaide, South Australia, and is known for its innovative design that features a combination of traditional and modern architectural elements.
- THE ANZAC MEMORIAL IN SYDNEY: This is a heritage-listed monument located in Hyde Park, Sydney, and was designed by C. Bruce Dellit and constructed in 1934–1936 as a memorial to the Australian Imperial Force of World War I.
- THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE IN CANBERRA: This governmental building is the meeting place of the Australian Federal Government and was officially opened in 1988. It was designed by Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects, and it is known for its modern and innovative design.
These are just a few examples of the many architectural landmarks found throughout Australia in addition to the two cited previously.
The diversity of architecture showcases the unique architectural heritage of the country. These famous attractions, along with many others, offer a glimpse into Australia's past and present, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
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Nadim Maani
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