The metaphorical expression of Nature in Jørn Utzon's design for the Sydney Opera House

A significant yet overlooked influence on Jørn Utzon's design for the Sydney Opera House is Chinese architecture, primarily through the interpretations of Finnish art historian Osvald Sirén. This study reveals that Utzon, despite his forced resignation from the project in 1966, drew inspiration from Sirén's scholarly works on Chinese architecture, which had been largely ignored in historical accounts. By analyzing Utzon's design proposals, private collections, and interviews with colleagues, researchers identified direct analogies between Chinese architectural elements and Utzon's reinterpretation of them in the Opera House's design. The study also explores the socio-political contexts shaping Sirén's and Utzon's perspectives on Chinese architecture, providing a deeper understanding of Utzon's creative process.

Chen-Yu, C., Goad, P., & Myers, P. (2015). The metaphorical expression of Nature in Jørn Utzon’s design for the Sydney Opera House. Architectural Research Quarterly, 19(4), 381–396. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1359135515000603