In 1957, when the project of the Sydney Opera House in Australia was awarded by an international jury to Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it marked a radically new approach to construction. His submission was one of 233 designs from 32 countries, many of them from the most famous architects of the day. Utzon's original design concept and his unique approach to building gave impetus to a collective creativity of architects, engineers and builders. The Sydney Opera House comprises three groups of interlocking vaulted ‘shells’ which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant. These shell-structures are set upon a vast platform and are surrounded by terrace areas that function as pedestrian concourses.

A great urban sculpture set in a remarkable waterscape, at the tip of a peninsula projecting into Sydney Harbor, the building has had an enduring influence on the emergent architecture of the late 20th century. Inaugurated in 1973, the Sydney Opera House continues to perform its function as a world-class performing arts center. On June 28, 2007, the Sydney Opera House was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the World Heritage Convention, placing it alongside the Taj Mahal, the ancient Pyramids of Egypt, and the Great Wall of China as one of the most outstanding places on Earth.

More Info: whc.unesco.org