MADE by the Opera House
Established at the Sydney Opera House's 40th Anniversary in 2013, MADE by the Opera House is an Australian-Danish exchange program that, in the lead up to the 50th Anniversary in 2023, will create an alumnus group of 100 students to continue the international and interdisciplinary links first forged by Jørn Utzon's masterpiece. Each year, five students from a NSW university and five students from a Danish tertiary institution will participate in the program in Denmark and Australia respectively.
Also known as the Multidisciplinary Australian Danish Exchange, MADE is an extra-curricular program offered to Australian and Danish students of architecture, engineering and design (in the built environment) in their 2nd year of study or above.
The aims of MADE are to:
- Promote international and multidisciplinary interaction between students of architecture, engineering and design (in the built environment);
- Foster cultural relationships between Denmark and Australia; and
- Support the knowledge and understanding of Danish architect Jørn Utzon and the Utzon Design Principles
MADE by the Opera House
MADE by the Opera House: Highlights
Meet the architecture, engineering and design students from the Multidisciplinary Australian Danish Exchange - MADE by the Opera House.MADE by the Opera House
The Program
Five students will be selected for each program. The students will form a multidisciplinary team to collaborate on a 6-week project, developed by the MADE by the Opera House program partners and aligned with the Utzon Design Principles.
The five MADE students will:
- Be placed at a host firm for 6 weeks to work as a multidisciplinary team on an assigned project;
- Collaborate with various prestigious built environment professionals, who will provide technical advice and mentorship;
- Participate in study tours, masterclasses and workshops relevant to the program;
- Submit a group project report and individual reflection statements at the end of the program; and
- Pending international restrictions, have the opportunity to reside at Jørn Utzon’s Can Lis residence in Mallorca, Spain, in the week prior to program commencement.
All instruction will be conducted in English. A MADE by the Opera House representative will provide ground support to the students, including opportunities to meet MADE Alumni.
Scholarship
Each student is provided with the equivalent of AU$6,000 to cover international airfares, accommodation and living expenses during their visit.
Program Dates
The annual program for the Australian students usually takes place in Copenhagen for six weeks in January-February. The program for the Danish students usually takes place in Sydney for six weeks in July-August.
2023 Students from Australia:
| Residency at Jørn Utzon’s residence ‘Can Lis’ in Mallorca, Spain | Sunday 8 January – Friday 13 January 2023 |
| Six-week MADE Program in Copenhagen, Denmark | Monday 16 January – Friday 24 January 2023 |
2023 Students from Denmark:
| Residency at Jørn Utzon’s residence ‘Can Lis’ in Mallorca, Spain | Sunday 2 July - Friday 7 July 2023 |
| Six-week MADE Program in Sydney, Australia | Monday 10 July - Friday 18 August 2023 |
Partners, Sponsors and Contributors
Founding partners:
Arup
Steensen Varming
NSW Architects Registration Board
The Bikuben Foundation
The Dreyer Foundation
Henrik Frode Obel Foundation
Sponsor:
AMP Capital Quay Quarter Sydney Development (2015 – 2021) - the first Danish architectural commission in Sydney since the design of Sydney Opera House, drawing inspiration from Utzon’s philosophy and legacy.
Contributors:
The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation
Henning Larsen Architects - Host Firm for Danish Program 2014
Hassell - Host Firm for Australian Program 2014
COBE - Host Firm for Danish Program 2015
Arup - Host Firm for Australian Program 2015
3XN - Host Firm for Danish Program 2016
Grimshaw - Host Firm for Australian Program 2016
Spektrum Arkitekter and Steensen Varming – Host Firms for Danish Program 2017
BVN – Host Firm for Australian Program 2017
C.F. Møller and Utzon Center – Host Firm for Danish Program 2018
COX Architecture and Meld Studios – Host Firms for Australian Program 2018
ADEPT Architects – Host Firm for Danish Program 2019
SJB Architects – Host Firm for Australian Program 2019
PLH Arkitekter – Host Firm for Danish Program 2020
PTW Architects - Host Firm for Australian Program 2022
Hayball - Host Firm for Australian Program (July) 2022
Airbnb - For generously funding accommodation for the Australian and Danish MADE students in 2016 – 2018.
Etihad Airways - For generously funding flights for the Australian and Danish MADE students in 2019
Many thanks also to:
Contributors in Australia
- His Excellency Børge Petersen, Ambassador of Denmark to Australia
- Carsten Rosendahl, Consul General & Trade Commissioner of Denmark to Australia
- Prof. Adrian Carter MAA, Abedian School of Architecture, Bond University
- Broger's End, Kangaroo Valley
- CPP Wind Engineering & Air Quality Experts
- Danish Trade Council in Australia
- Frost Urbanite
- Meld Studios
- Michelle Tabet
- PTW Architects
- Richard Johnson, JPW Architects
- University of New South Wales, Faculty of the Built Environment
Contributors in Denmark
- Mary Ellen Miller, Ambassador of Australia to Denmark
- DR Byen (Danish Broadcasting)
- Erik Nørgaard, Fredensborg Houses
- Lindsay Johnston, Richard Leplastrier, Peter Stutchbury and Glenn Murcutt, Architecture Foundation Australia & Glenn Murcutt Masterclass
- Jan Utzon, Utzon Associates Architects
- Jørgen Ellegård Frederiksen, Bagsværd Church
- Jørgen Jørgensen, Kingo Houses
- Lars Nørgaard, Musikkens Hus, Aalborg
- Museum of Modern Art, Aalborg
- Spektrum Arkitekter
- Utzon Center, Aalborg
- Utzon Foundation
- Aalborg University
Meet the 2021 Australian MADE students
Linh Nguyen
Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Civil Engineering) and Bachelor of Music Studies, University of Sydney
"I am passionate about good design at every level, and my focus is on structural engineering and how it interacts with architecture, design and other engineering disciplines. As a musician, I am also interested in creating art and experiences through our built environment."
Cedric Danso-Boame
Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) Honours and Bachelor of Science (Medical Science), University of Sydney
“At the nexus of art, design, science and engineering, we expand the boundaries of what we as humans, thought possible. The radical change in thinking that is enabled through interaction of these disciplines presents novel and effective solutions to our greatest problems. I am interested in bio architecture, as a new approach to transform our buildings into ‘living’ buildings.”
Rhys Grant
Master of Architecture, University of Sydney
“Collaboration within the built environment field is key to well-crafted designs that push the possibilities of structural form. I strive to create buildings that respect the surrounding history and culture. I wish to contribute to Australian design that is sensitive to this climate and topography. ”
Jatin Midha
Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) with Architecture, University of New South Wales
"In diverse experiences and shared spaces, there are many opportunities to learn and grow. I am passionate about playing my part in such environments, where our ideas and actions as engineers and architects have the potential to create a positive legacy. "
Arissara Reed
Bachelor of Design in Architecture, University of Sydney
“My interest in the built environment is rooted in the exploration of space and its latent capacity to reveal existing and new realities of the places we inhabit. I believe design has the potential to transform conditions of living and re-imagine how we can live. I am committed to a place-making and place-valuing practice with embedded social, cultural and environmental reciprocity.”
Meet the 2022 Danish MADE students
Anna Fogh
Master of Arts in Architecture, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation
"I wish to explore the way in which both functionality and aesthetics can meet in innovative user-orientated design solutions. Embracing conceptual and artistic thinking as tools, I am searching for new ways of living and interacting with architecture to address the inevitable environmental and societal challenges of future generations and the planet."
Christina Kjær
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering, Technical University of Denmark
“My interests focus around sustainability, functionality and responsible architecture. With a holistic approach, I aspire to create buildings with respect for our environment, that provide an everyday wellbeing for the people living and working there, and with focus on innovative and creative design.”
Filip Hede
Bachelor of Design in Product+: Furniture, Space and Material, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation
"When working I try very hard at not creating unusual or extravagant results. The way I see it, the difference between art and design is very simple. Art is ‘me’ where design is ‘us’.”
Mads Primdahl Rokkjær
Master of Arts in Architecture, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation
“I see architecture as a physical medium that, in collaboration with other disciplines, can connect the desires and needs of a specific user group, as a public and social catalyst and a creative solution to urban problems. I aspire to practice an architecture that can cultivate social interactions, engage with communities, and solve urban issues of public relevance.”
Natalia Nawrocka
Master of Science in Building Energy Design, Aalborg University
“Intelligent building design that derives from an understanding of the micro and macro climate, building systems and their interaction can provide healthy indoor environmental quality, limiting excessive energy use. It is my ambition to provide environmentally conscious design with the highest user comfort in mind.”
MADE Alumni
Upon completion of the project, students will become part of the MADE by the Opera House Alumni group. By the Opera House’s 50th Anniversary in 2023, this one hundred-strong group will form a living legacy of MADE Alumni who will have a deep understanding of international design practice across disciplines and hemispheres.
The MADE Alumni is a community and a professional network that collaborates, supports and mentors each other to become the next generation’s best leaders. Beyond the professional context, the alumni group is naturally evolving on a social level – friendships for life are being formed across Australia and Denmark.
The MADE Alumni are actively engaged beyond their own six-week MADE program, ‘giving back’ and supporting MADE in many unique ways, such as:
- Promoting the MADE program through lunchtime talks at their universities, their professional networks and through social media;
- Assisting in the recruitment process of new MADE students;
- Actively participating in future MADE programs to welcome the new MADE students, participate in masterclasses, show the visiting students around their city, and plan social trips, and
- Collaborating with the MADE program partners in extra-curricular events and projects that promote multidisciplinary collaboration.
The opportunities and possibilities that the MADE Alumni can create together are endless!
2014
Laura Craft
Robert Martin
Jennifer McMaster
Olivia Savio-Matev
Matthew Wells
Caroline Richardt Beck
Jakob Holmqvist-Larsen
Pernille Krieger
Jonas Snedevind Nielsen
Karina Korsgaard Jensen
2015
Alex Crowe
Julianne Lipman
Alasdair Mott
Nina Tory-Henderson
Nicholas Werrett
Arnþrúður Gísladóttir
Signe Møller Rosendal
Birthe Wohlenberg
Mai Alexandra Bogø
Mathias Ørum Nørgård
2016
Callum Coombe
Lachlan Finn
Deirdre Mair
Adriana Prasnicki
Andrew Weetman
Sofie Angelie Bendtsen
Nanna Rose Broch
Daniel Miroslaw Krajewski
Michelle Kühl
Jack Perry
2017
Eleanor Gibson
Jacob Levy
James Hansen
Awkar Ruel
Nicola Shear
Antonia Szabo
Charlotte Ea Brandt
Emma Helene Rishoej Holm
Mads Kjaer
Tobias Skov Pedersen
2018
Matthew Burnett
Rose Montgomery
Jaime Painter
Jeffrey Tighe
Daiming Zhu
Cuong Van Tran
Henriette Friis
Rune Wriedt
Sebastian Enevoldsen
Rasmus Hansen
2019
Billie-Grace Dunk
Jack Jeffries
Josephine Nicholas
Tom Dufficy
Nicholas Bucci
Andreas Sommer Kjærgaard
Asbjørn Eriknauer
Morten Juhl Stistrup Nielsen
Signe Skytte Madsen
Stefan Ekelund Perriard
2020
Bobbie Bayley
Irene Clark
Aislinn King
Muthu Kumaran
Stephanie Palmer
2021
Amalie Dokkedal Jensen
Elise Aida Cappelen Schultz
Niklas Munk-Andersen
Viktor Lukas Müller Thomsen
2022
Cedric Danso-Boame
Rhys Grant
Jatin Midha
Linh Nguyen
Arissara Reed
Mads Primdahl Rokkjær
Anna Fogh
Natalia Nawrocka
Christina Kjær
Filip Hede
FAQs
1. What is MADE by the Opera House?
MADE by the Opera House is an extra-curricular program offered to Australian and Danish students of architecture, engineering and design (in the built environment) in their 2nd year of study or above. Each year, five students from a NSW university in Australia and five students from a Danish tertiary institution will participate in the program in Denmark and Australia respectively. The students will form a multidisciplinary team to collaborate on a six-week project aligned with the Utzon Design Principles.
2. How did MADE by the Opera House originate?
In honour of Sydney Opera House’s 40th Anniversary celebrations in October 2013, the Sydney Opera House Trust and The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts - Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, have developed MADE by the Opera House: a Multidisciplinary Australian Danish Exchange program. MADE is also supported by Arup, Steensen Varming, the NSW Architects Registration Board, The Bikuben Foundation and The Dreyer Foundation.
3. Who can apply?
- You must be enrolled in a recognised university or tertiary institution in Denmark or Australia (NSW);
- Be undertaking a degree in the area of architecture, engineering or design (in the built environment);
- have successfully completed the second year of an undergraduate degree in the discipline of architecture, engineering or design (area of study in engineering and design must be within the context of the built environment) by:
a. (For Australian NSW Applicants) 31 December of the year before the relevant year of the Program
b. (For Danish Applicants) 30 June of the same year of the Program
c. Return to their studies after participating in the MADE program.
4. I have completed my undergraduate degree – can I still apply?
Yes, but you must provide an official offer of admission from the university/tertiary institution, or if this is not available, a Declaration of Honour written by the applicant stating the intended university, degree title, expected commencement date of studies and applicant’s signature. This applies if the applicant is:
- not enrolled in a degree at the time of application (for instance undertaking a sabbatical year or work placement) and intends return to study after completing the Program, or;
- in the final year of their undergraduate degree at the time of application and intends to commence a new degree after completing the Program (for instance an Honour or Master degree)
5. I have completed my Master’s degree – can I still apply?
No. However, students undertaking a Master degree are allowed to apply – except if they are in their final semester of their Master degree. That is, if they will have graduated with a Master by the time the program starts then they cannot apply.
6. I’m an international student – can I still apply?
If you are enrolled in a NSW or Danish tertiary institution and meet the requirements outlined in the MADE Application and Program Terms & Conditions you may apply.
7. I don’t hold permanent residency status in Australia – can I still apply?
If you are enrolled in a NSW or Danish tertiary institution and meet the requirements outlined in the MADE Application and Program Terms & Conditions you may apply.
8. When can I apply and when do applications close?
For Australian students applications typically open March and close at the beginning of May each year. For Danish students applications typically open September and close at the beginning of November each year.
9. Am I too old/young?
There is no age limit for MADE by the Opera House, however, demonstrated ability for future achievement in and contribution to your particular field is taken into consideration.
10. Does MADE by the Opera House allow me to obtain any tertiary qualifications/credit points?
No. Scholarships are not awarded to enable the applicant to gain or contribute towards any tertiary qualifications.
11. Can the scholarship allow me to gain work experience overseas. E.g. an internship?
No. MADE by the Opera House will not enable an applicant to work overseas. However, the support of industry organisations and foundations will encourage closer collaboration between professionals and students in the area of the built environment.
12. Do I need any qualifications to apply for MADE by the Opera House?
The applicant must have successfully completed the second year of an undergraduate degree in the discipline of architecture, engineering or design (in the built environment).
13. I have applied for MADE by the Opera House in the past – can I apply again?
Yes. If you have previously submitted an application and were unsuccessful, we encourage you to apply again and to be sure that you check your eligibility before re-applying.
14. I am already overseas – can I still apply?
Yes. However, you must be available to personally attend an interview (in person or via video call). Also if successful, you are required to be available for the entirety of the six week program period.
15. If I am called for interview but can’t make it can I be interviewed at an alternative date?
No. Interview schedules are set by Program Coordinators and must be adhered to. For applicants who are unable to make the interview in person, a video or phone call option may be offered. If you can’t make an interview you may be asked to reapply in a future year.
16. How much is the MADE by the Opera House scholarship worth?
Each student is provided with the equivalent of AU$6,000 to cover international airfares, accommodation and living expenses during their visit.
17. Will you tell me where to go and what to do?
Yes – the five MADE students will:
- Be placed at a host firm for six weeks to work as a multidisciplinary team on an assigned project.
- Collaborate with various prestigious built environment professionals, who will provide technical advice and mentorship;
- Participate in study tours, masterclasses and workshops relevant to the program;
- Submit a group project report and individual reflection statements at the end of the program; and
- Have the opportunity to reside at Jørn Utzon’s Can Lis residence in Mallorca, Spain, in the week prior to program commencement.
18. Can I submit more than one application?
No. You may only submit one application per year in the country where you reside. If you are not successful you can reapply in future years.
19. Can I put in a late application?
No. The selection process follows a strict time line and therefore, no late applications can be accepted.
20. If I am successful, when is the expected travel time and dates?
If successful, Australian students will depart to Denmark beginning of January and return mid-February. Danish students will depart to Australia beginning of July and return mid-August.
News Archive
15 May 2020
How MADE students are proposing to revitalise the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Opera House Digital
10 June 2020
MADE Australian Alumna Presentation in the Joan Sutherland Theatre
15 May 2020
Australian students journey to Denmark to learn from an icon, Create Digital Magazine
20 January 2020
Four Australian exchange students talk about their learning with Multidisciplinary work at PLH Arkitekter (in Danish), PLH Arkitekter
13 January 2020
PLH Arkitekter is hosting the Danish-Australian exchange programme ‘MADE by the Opera House’, PLH Arkitekter
25 September 2019
2019 MADE by the Opera House wraps up with Utzon-inspired design showcase, Arup
16 August 2019
Danish engineering talent characterise the future of the Opera House (in Danish), Aarhus University
8 July 2019
MADE by the Opera House, SJB Architects
3 September 2018
Sydney students awarded 2019 MADE by the Opera House scholarships, University of Sydney
4 May 2018
UNSW Built Environment makes his mark in Denmark, University of New South Wales
15 March 2018
UTS DAB students? They’ve got it MADE, University of Technology Sydney
26 September 2017
In Profile: Alex Crowe, Street Furniture Australia
24 August 2017
C. F. Møller architects involved in celebrating Jørn Utzon’s MØLLER
From Syria to Copenhagen, Sydney Opera House
31 January 2016
Students propose to revitalise Sydney Opera House in 2015 MADE Program, Arch Daily
18 June 2015
Danish students’ project: turn Sydney Opera House truck stop into culture magnet, The Sydney Morning Herald
3 March 2015
Five Danish students to contribute to modernization of Sydney Opera House, Danish™
22 August 2014
Students MADE the grade, Architecture AU
2 July 2014
Genial minds make the MADE Program, Australian Design Review
12 April 2014
Exchange build bridges, The Sydney Morning Herald
24 February 2014
Danish students modernize the Sydney Opera House, Bygnet
13 January 2014
Inaugural winners of MADE by the Opera House head to Denmark, Architecture & Design
13 December 2013
Four Sydney Uni students head to Denmark on inaugural MADE by the Opera House exchange, University of Sydney
25 October 2013
Crown Prince couple present at the launch of student exchange program, The Danish Monarchy
25 September 2013
Opera House’s new look can be up to Danish youth, Berlingske — Kultur
MADE Live Updates
To read about news and updates about MADE by the Opera House, which will run between the Opera House’s 40th Anniversary in October 2013 and 50th Anniversary in 2023:
- ‘Like’ our Facebook page;
- Follow us on Instagram;
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Watch our YouTube Channel;
- Email us at made@sydneyoperahouse.com.
To stay informed on the latest news and updates about MADE by the Opera House, including when applications open, simply sign up below.
The MADE Program, including its dates are subject to change and or cancelation (including due to COVID-19 restrictions), check the website for regular updates.
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