Jorn Utzon • Jørn Utzon, was born in the 9th of April 1918, Copenhagen. In 1937 he began studying architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art. In 1942 he returned to Copenhagen after his graduation. • Later he worked with the famous architect Alvar Aalto. As he became more experienced and popular, he fascinated lots of foreign countries with his magnificent architecture such as the Svaneke Water Tower and Middelboe House.

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia, 1973

• In 1957 Jørn Utzon won the competition of Designing the . His design was one of the 233 submissions from 32 countries, many of them from the most famous architects of that time. • The Danish architect won the competition to design the Sydney Opera House in 1957, but resigned from the project in 1966 after concerns over construction costs escalated. • . The building was completed without him in 1973. It was opened by Queen Elizabeth II with an exciting opening ceremony. But Jørn Utzon, the architect who put the most effort into the project was not invited and his name was not mentioned at the opening ceremony. • However, on May 17, 1985, Jørn Utzon was awarded with the ’Companion of the Order of Australia’, one of Australia's most important honors and he was invited to redesign the entrance of the Sydney Opera House. • And In 2003, he was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Award, one of the most prestigious awards in architecture.

• Back in , Utzon embarked on two other key architectural projects: the Bagsværd Church (Denmark) built between 1968 and 1976, and the Kuwait National Assembly, designed and built from 1971 onwards and rebuilt in 1993 after being destroyed by Iraqi forces during the Gulf War. Bagsvaerd Church

• Located on a narrow plot in a suburban setting, the building itself is narrow, and has an austere facade which encloses the various rooms and a number of small courtyards. Surrounded by birch trees, the exterior walls are faced with white prefabricated concrete panels and white glazed tiles. The aluminium roof gives the church a rather industrial look. Glass sections provide lighting over the connecting corridors. Covering an area of 1,700 square meters, the tight geometrical plan consists of three sections and a courtyard between two parallel corridors. Kuwait National Assembly description

The structure, consists of prefabricated concrete, has a large area. The building on the main street; covered with a large, concrete canopy connecting the main and the front units. Main aim is to remain the shadow for courts, offices and the meeting room. Roof, reflected as a light cloth through design, was inspired by the iconic tent of Bedouin culture. Besides, structure having a wavy effect on the roof, reminds a thin fabric despite its mass of 600 tons. Design of the building, rising on the shores of the Kuwait Gulf, enriched through a pair of parabolic geometries. Structure reflects Arabic decoration as well as the Kuwait culture. • Completed in 1984 and damaged in 1991 during the Gulf War, the Assembly Building underwent a restoration considering architect's original design. This renewal; offers a permanent, modern and future-oriented building to the city.

• Kuwait National Assembly Building; still known as one of the most unique works of Utzon, died at the age of 90, completed throughout his career. In this building, the architect offers his style nourished from the tradition. Utzon Center, , Denmark, 2008 • The last building Utzon designed was the Center for architecture on Aalborg's waterfront, the harbour city where he grew up. The Utzon Center is a place for architects to gather and discuss. The building was completed by his son, Kim. • Consisting of a cluster of buildings around a platform courtyard, the center has sculptural roofs that curve sharply upwards to create a tented interior space, and some lower roofs with large skylights set into their peaks. Facilities include an auditorium, library and spaces for exhibitions and workshops.

Resources

• https://www.dezeen.com/2018/04/09/ten-of-sydney-opera- house-architect-jorn-utzons-most-important-buildings/

• http://archeyes.com/bagsvaerd-church-jorn-utzon/ • http://emlakansiklopedisi.com/wiki/jorn-utzon-mimar • https://www.konseptprojeler.com/kuwait-national-assembly- building

• https://www.archdaily.com/494535/happy-birthday-jorn-utzon