Wed, Apr 13 / 9 pm
Directed by Daryl Dellora
1998, Australia, 58 min
Introduced by Grant Van Iderstine, Architecture | 49, architects of record for Canadian Museum of Human Rights
Featuring rare interviews with Danish architect, Jørn Utzon (b.1918-d.2008), the film documents the stunning ups and downs in the lengthy design and construction process of the Sydney Opera House (1959-73), the result of an international competition launched in 1955. Characterized by some as a “tempestuous saga” the story is punctuated by lively testimonies from a diverse cast of political and professional participants – ranging from enthusiastic collaborators, to rivals, skeptics and detractors. Midway through construction, Utzon’s firm was removed from the project! In spite of legendary resistance encountered in the land down under, and disagreements between the architect and consulting engineers (including now famous Ove Arup), the design teams’ original vision shines through in the end, remaining a compelling symbol challenging others to push the limits of what is possible.
Sponsored by Crosier Kilgour & Partners Ltd
