What is the first thing when we think about Australia as a country? Kangaroo, Opera house and Gold Coast Beach might be one’s answer. Known as the harbour city of Australia, Sydney is the largest and oldest cosmopolitan of the nation. Due to living standards and long-term immigration it is also the most diverse city in its own country. Apart from all these it has some great architectural marvels that an architect must visit when in Sydney. Today, Sydney is visited for its narrow, cobbled streets which houses historic buildings of the Rocks and the city’s excellent museums that enrich the tourists with experiences.
Here is a list of 15 outstanding locations in Sydney that one should definitely visit.
1. Opera House
Opera House, one of the iconic structures in the world is located in the heart of Sydney. Designed by Danish architect John Utzon and executed by Australian architect Peter Hall, Opera House is one of the oldest concert halls. Located between Sydney Cove and Farm Cove it occupies the whole Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbour. It consists of a series of large precast concrete shells, with a section of sphere forming the roof of structure leading it to an interesting design.
2. Harbour Bridge
The iconic heritage bridge is located on the Sydney Harbour and carries multiple transport systems like rail, vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian. Its arch comprises two 28 panel arch trusses varying in heights. It was proposed by architect Francis Greenway to the governor Lachlan Macquarie. It has a total of eight lanes, numbered from west to east.
3. The Art Gallery of New South Wales
One of the largest art galleries of Australia, The Gallery of New South Wales is the most important public gallery. It was established in 1871, consisting of art forms from national and international artists. Originally proposed by architect John Horbury Hunt but was later designed by colonial architect Walter Libert Vernon. With several extensions over the period of time, it incorporated many names in its design process. The latest extension which includes a larger gallery for major exhibitions and other interactive spaces is designed by TOKYO based Pritzker prize winning firm SANAA architectural and designs.
4. Sydney Town Hall
The Town Hall is built of local Sydney Sandstone inspired by the French Second Empire Hotel de Ville in Paris. Designed by J.H Wilson in 1866, it has lavishly ornamented tower and fancy roofs. The external wall, tower, balconies, external stairs, colonnades and the rooftop are of Sydney Yellow block sandstone. The main building is supported on brick piers. The roof structure of the first stage has timber floors while the second stage has concrete floors.
5. Queen Victoria Building
The Romanesque style heritage building was designed by architect George McRae. Originally designed as a marketplace, it also served other purposes and suffered decay but underwent restoration and was open to people in the late twentieth century. The architect proposed four different styles which included Gothic, Renaissance, Queen Anne and Romanesque but the council of Sydney chose the Romanesque style.The balustrades, colonnades, arches and cupola depicted the typical Victorian style.
