The metaphorical expression of Nature in Jorn Utzon's design for the Sydney Opera House

摘要

Utzon's early perception of Chinese architecture was nurtured by Siren's study on the subject within the ethos of Nordic national romanticism and the idea of unifying Nature and ancient cultures, as championed by the Theosophical Society. Through Siren's work, Utzon understood Chinese building culture as an expression of the sacredness and transcendence of Nature and Chinese architecture as a dualistic synthesis and metaphorical expression of Natural dynamic harmony. Siren's study also stimulated Utzon's interests in historical monuments and city planning of Imperial Beijing. These were conducive to Utzon's intense interest in the platform cultures around the world, and ultimately contributed to his conceptualisation of Chinese architecture as a monumental roof/earthwork juxtaposition - the key concept in his Sydney Opera House design. More importantly, Utzon's understanding of Chinese architecture contributed to the philosophical ideas expressed in his Sydney Opera House design: bringing back Nature to modern society through architecture, as stated in his 'Platforms and Plateaus' manifesto. Utzon did not, however, simply imitate Chinese built forms in the Opera House design. In Chinese architecture he found a metaphorical expression of Nature in general, with an aesthetic principle of dualism in particular. These concepts provide a structure through which Utzon could articulate his own felt response to the site of the Opera House, and from which he could develop his design around architectural forms analogous to those of Chinese architecture. In his design, Utzon could find a representation both of natural phenomena -clouds, sky, earth - and Chinese building culture. Since Utzon's forced departure from the Sydney Opera House project in 1966, none of his proposal for its interior has been realised. Utzon's perception and application of ideas associated with Chinese building culture should be considered in future restoration of the Sydney Opera House.