The revolutionary and world-renowned structure the Sydney Opera House is a prime example of why patterns matter in architecture. Dr Nicola Davies reports.
March 9th, 2015
“The sun did not know how beautiful its light was, until it was reflected off this building,” said American architect Louis Khan, of the Sydney Opera House. However, when Danish architect Jørn Utzon began work, his design, featuring a daring pattern that has become iconic of the Sydney Harbour skyline, was challenging in terms of translating the vision into concrete and steel.
It is when these relationships between materials and geometries are harmonious that there emerges a ‘pattern language,’ as identified by Austrian Architect, Christopher Alexander. Each culture has its own pattern language that has evolved into living spaces that harmonize with the landscape, climate, and that best utilize the light of an area.
Catie Ryan (LEED AP BD+C) of the environmental consultancy Terrapin Bright Green, says, “The Sydney Opera House concert hall uses ample diffuse warm light and less dynamic light, but I would think such a balance is appropriate for this space, where occupants are meant to relax and focus on the performance. The circulation areas of the Opera House, however, make a more dramatic use of light.”
Dynamic and diffuse light and shadow that shift through the day provide visual cues to occupants in transit, guiding them through hallways and up staircases, while also highlighting the grandness of the space. “While we have come to consider good day-lighting as a key energy performance strategy,” says Ryan, “the human health value is in the quality of light and how it keeps occupants connected to diurnal patterns, which is particularly important when remaining in a building for long stretches of time.”
Ryan says humans are drawn to patterns based on nature, “They are appealing because we can relate to them at a subconscious level and our attention to them is natural, even if we don’t realize how our bodies are responding. Why are people willing to spend upwards of 130% more for a property with trees and lake access? Because it makes us feel better.”
Photography by Desireé Hamann
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Journey alongside Australian designer Ross Didier as he introduces a new chapter in the magical folklore of his iconic FABLE Collection.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
…And for its next trick, WMK makes the impossible happen – creating space out of nowhere! Rapidly outgrowing an existing premises on Collins Street, co-working house Space&Co wanted to increase the size of its cool Melbourne space without having to relocate.
An architectural exhibition curated by one of this country’s leading architects has drawn strong praise and thrown the spotlight on home-grown talent
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Libertine Parfumerie’s flagship store in Sydney, crafted by local interior designer Tamsin Johnson, stands as a testament to a 15-year dream realised.
MECCA’s Customer Support Centre stays put, but Studio Tate’s interior design has added totally new layers of colour and energy to the space.