By Paul Denham

Almost 150 UNSW Built Environment students have been invited to design backdrops to a landmark Opera Australia production that charts the construction of the Opera House. Called Sydney Opera House – The Opera (The Eighth Wonder) it will tell the story of the creation of the Opera House and will be held outside, for the first time, at the top of the 100 metre wide steps. In October this year, the expected 3,000 nightly audience members will gaze up the steps where dozens of actors, singers and a hills hoist will inhabit this huge outdoor “stage”.

Above: Sketch of the Sydney Opera House by Marcela Cuba Chen.

While UNSW Built Environment Computational Design students are making a huge 3D printed centre piece for the VIP area, UNSW Architecture students have been invited to develop images and short films that will be projected around the audience to create atmosphere and tell the story of many elements of the structure and interiors of the Opera House.

The drawings will be displayed in the UNSW Built Environment’s Red Centre Gallery from 31st May until 3rd June 2016.

Sydney Opera House – The Opera (The Eighth Wonder) will be performed from October 28th until November 5th, 2016.

To read the full studio brief for students click here

Below are images of staff and students on a field trip to the Sydney Opera House.

All images: Patrick Gilling