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On a light blue background, a cut out of the Sydney Opera House is surrounded by colourful shapes exploding out of it.

Architecture Unboxed Design and STEAM workshop

Term 1 – 4

High School: Stage 5 – 6, Years 9 – 12
Learning areas: Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Engineering 

Deepen students creative thinking as they learn to ‘think like an architect’ developing their ideas considering design principles and the human experience.

Useful information:

Learn to think like an architect

Student’s learn how to draw and think like an architect in this interactive workshop that explores Sydney Opera House’s architect’s Jørn Utzon’s legacy of design thinking, and the impact of architecture on people, cities and public space.

Designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House is a unique and innovative building that represents a breakthrough in modern architecture. From conception to completion, the building tested the limits of engineering, construction and design. The iconic sail-like structures have made it a symbol of Sydney and modern Australia as a whole, and is now a World Heritage-listed masterpiece.

This workshop explores Utzon’s unique legacy of design thinking, and the impact of how architecture can change the way people live in cities and experience public space.

In this workshop students will:

  • Learn about the Sydney Opera House and its impact on architecture across the world.
  • Use found objects and recycled materials to test design thinking, inspire new prototypes for architecture, and express abstract ideas for what a building can be.
  • Understand design thinking through the Utzon Design Principles, such as inspiration from nature and the human experience.
  • Consider how to develop ideas individually and as a group, and be inspired to develop a portfolio and take your major works to the next level.
  • Learn how architects draw and approach problem solving.

Presented by Sydney Opera House this workshop was developed by architect Louise O’Brien

Thank you to The Greatorex Fund for enabling the development of STEAM creative learning programs in the Centre for Creativity

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Plan your visit

Excursions at the Opera House

A Day Out at the House

Offer your students to an unforgettable day out at the Sydney Opera House with our new curated program. Students can attend a Creative Learning Performance or Workshop onsite accompanied by a Walking Tour of our internationally renowned performing arts centre, all in time to back by the final school bell.

A group of girls wave at the camera in school uniform. The Sydney Opera House sails are seen blurry in the background.

Arts Assist

Does your School need financial assistance to attend a Sydney Opera House excursion?

Schools Tour

Filled with stories that demonstrate the power of creativity, students join a guided tour to learn how architect Jørn Utzon created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that changed the course of 20th century architecture.

A young girl wearing a school uniform stares out a window in a Sydney Opera House foyer. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is seen in the background.

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