Compare and contrast essay

Human cultural heritage is like a big puzzle where every building, monument, or place is an irreplaceable item of the overall picture. Architectural works often combine the patterns of ancient history, values, and traditions that give people insights into their origins, their development, and their lives today. As known, culture, and architecture are closely related to each other. Every work of architecture represents unique cultural characteristics and values, sophisticated styles, harmonious unity, architectural features, and techniques. Architectural culture reflects ancient traditions, beliefs, human appreciations, original designs, and dimensions. Every work of architecture is a unique masterpiece as it makes a place exceptional. This paper compares and contrasts the two famous works of architecture, the Sydney Opera House (created in 1973 by the architect Jorn Utzon) and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (created in 1997 by Frank Gehry) in terms of art and their influences.

Sydney Opera House is the most famous Australian architectural icon, one of the greatest products of the 20th century which innovative design came from Danish architect Jorn Utzon. This masterpiece of modern architecture was built in Sydney with the date 1973 and encompasses “three groups of interlocking shells, which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant” (Hughes, 2016). Utzon’s architecture is an example of a modern expressionist design that is based on complex geometries, computer-aided design shapes, and complicated techniques. The Opera House was built in three stages: the first stage (1959-1963); the second stage (1963-1967); third stage (1967-1973). The first stage represents the upper podium with strong columns that support roof construction. The second stage reflects original and complicated geometry, the project of the outer shells, or “a series of parabolas supported by precast concrete ribs” (Kerzner, 2014). At this stage, Utzon devoted much affords and energy to constructive designs, complex strategies, ellipsoids, schemes with complicated geometry, computerized structural analysis, and finally, acceptable solutions. The third stage includes work with the interiors where the architect developed original acoustic and seating designs and sophisticated plywood corridor designs. There is no doubt, the Sydney opera house becomes one of the greatest architectural works of the world – “a symbol for not only a city but a whole country and continent.” (Kerzner, 2014)

In comparison with Utzon’s Sydney Opera House, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao created by talented architect Frank Gehry alongside the Nervion River, Spain, is considered to be the 1990s answer to the Sydney Opera House. It encompasses random shapes and curves, catch-light designs, and eccentric ideas. Guggenheim museum is a significant piece of architecture that encompasses “a fusion of complex, swirling forms and captivating materiality that responds to an intricate program and an industrial urban context.” (Pagnotta, 2013) Gehry’s work of architecture represents a metallic form of the exterior, florist design, and a combination of different construction materials to reflect the light. The architect worked with 3D design, implemented complicated mathematical concepts and calculations. Gehry’s “Bilbao effect” changed many architects’ views, provided new abstract techniques and strategies, and impressed with its symmetrical shapes and sophisticated compositions. Gehry’s Guggenheim museum is one of the most inspiring products of the 20th century which “not only changed the way that architects and people think about museums but also boosted Bilbao’s economy with its astonishing success.” (Pagnotta, 2013)

Comparing and contrasting Utzon’s Sydney Opera House (1973) and Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (1997), it becomes obvious that both of them are iconic works of architecture that impress with eccentric ideas, complicated designs, architectural landscape, original shapes, and curves. Both of them represent abstract techniques and postmodern characteristics. Despite their similarities, Sydney Opera House and Guggenheim museum significantly differ from one another. Utzon implemented “more planned techniques”, designed “shell” shapes, and used granite, concrete, glass, ceramic materials, whereas Gehry’s work represents florist design, eccentric techniques, and stable construction made of titanium, glass, limestone.                        

References:

Hughes, K. (2016). 27 World Famous Buildings to Inspire You. Retrieved 9 Feb. 2017 from       http://www.creativebloq.com/architecture/famous-buildings-around-world-10121105

Kerzner, H. (2014). Project Recovery: Case Studies and Techniques for Overcoming Project Failure. John Wiley & Sons, International Institute for Learning, Inc. New York. 

Pagnotta, B. (2013). AD Classics: The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao / Frank Gehry. Retrieved        9 Feb. 2017 from http://www.archdaily.com/422470/ad-classics-the-guggenheim-  museum-bilbao-frank-gehry