The Work of Jørn Utzon:a paradigm for contemporary regional architecture

This paper will present a study of Jørn Utzon's architecture, in terms of its response to both local context and transcultural influences. The paper will show Utzon to have been a precursor and direct influence upon subsequent developments within contemporary regional architecture. In his work, Utzon displays a Nordic sensibility to nature and integrity of design that strives for the attainment of quality in architecture and design, through the simple, honest yet noble synthesis of form, material and function, motivated by social values. To this essentially regional response, Utzon combines a fascination for the architectural legacies of foreign cultures. These influences include the architecture of the ancient Mayan civilisation, as well as that of China and Japan. Moreover Utzon is deeply influenced by the Islamic world, Isfahan particularly providing inspiration for the Sydney Opera House, the Bank Melli in Tehran and Kuwait National Assembly.It is Utzon's ability to achieve a poetic, often monumental and iconic, yet always locally sensitive architecture while subtly utilizing and expanding the meaning of global transcultural influences. He thereby establishes precedents for, and a direct influence upon, subsequent developments within contemporary regional architecture.