Architecture meets Nature Design and STEAM workshop
Term 1 - 4
Primary School: Stage 2 – 3, Years 3 – 6
Learning areas: Creative Arts, HSIE, Science and Technology
A creative learning workshop following Sydney Opera House’s architect Jørn Utzon’s designs and his inspiration from natural forms, students create building models inspired by nature to combat climate change.
| Term | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday 31 March 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 1 | Monday 7 April 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 2 | Monday 12 May 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 2 | Monday 19 May 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Monday 11 August 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Monday 18 August 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Monday 8 September 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Monday 15 September 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Monday 22 September 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Monday 27 October 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Monday 3 November 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Monday 17 November 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 students | $375 |
| 25 - 45 students | $675 |
Minimum group rates may apply for classes with less than 25 students. Ratio required for supervision is one teacher per 15 students.
The only authorised ticket agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the frequently asked questions below.
Arts Assist: The Arts Assist ticket and travel subsidy program provides the full cost of the Creative Learning program ticket and $5 per student toward travel costs. Find out more about Arts Assist.
- Audio loop available
- No language barrier
We cater to students of all needs and will make every effort to accommodate any special requirements or access adjustments your students may have. All of our venues are wheelchair accessible with dedicated wheelchair positions and companion seats. Please let us know on the booking form how we can assist in making your excursion as enjoyable as possible and we will be in touch. Alternatively, you may call Creative Learning on +61 2 9250 7770 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST) or email creativelearning@sydneyoperahouse.com.
Social Story: A social story provides information about what to expect when attending a venue or show. It has short descriptions with images. Download the Centre for Creativity Social Story (PDF).
For any special access requirements phone the Contact Centre on 02 9250 7777 or email bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com
Find out more about accessibility at Sydney Opera House.
This workshop will be held in the Centre for Creativity.
Run time: This program runs for 90 mins. Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Materials: Groups may need to bring some natural and recycled materials to use and will be emailed these details on booking. All other materials for this workshop will be provided.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Download our Child Safety Policy (PDF).
Jørn UtzonMy laboratory is the beech forests, and the sea and the clouds.
Useful information:
Biomimicry at its best
In this creative workshop students will learn how to create their own natural buildings using recycled and sustainable materials, taking inspiration from the ingenuity of the natural world.
Designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House is a unique and innovative design representing a breakthrough in modern architecture. Utzon was inspired by the ingenuity of the natural world to inform his design – evoking Sydney’s cliffs, the wingspan of birds and the sails of boats on Sydney Harbour.
Climate change is demanding that we find new ways to build our cities, so learning from nature has never been more important. Utzon had a passion for nature, and was a keen observer, translating it creatively to his designs. Students will embrace this design thinking as they consider what lessons can be learned from nature.
In this workshop students will:
- Learn about Jørn Utzon, his love of nature and how the Sydney Opera House was built.
- Be inspired by the natural world through the Utzon Design Principles of biomimicry.
- Consider sustainability and the built environment by creating artworks (and cities!) that work with nature and a changing climate.
- Build design thinking skills by using elements and principles of design to create experimental architectural forms.
Presented by Sydney Opera House this workshop was developed by architect Louise O’Brien
Thank you to The Greatorex Fund for enabling the development of STEAM creative learning programs in the Centre for Creativity
About the artist
Louise O’Brien
Louise O’Brien is a registered Architect in NSW with qualifications in Installation Art & Interior Design. She is the founder of Apsara Collective – a residential, hospitality and interior architecture studio. She has more than twenty years’ experience locally and internationally. Louise’s passion for design and the opportunities it provides to inspire and empower young people has led her to education and she now lectures at a tertiary level and runs the Architecture for Kids School based in Sydney and Sydney Opera House's regular Architecture Club.
Plan your visit
Venue information
Please ensure that your group arrives at the venue 30 minutes prior to the performance start time. Latecomers may only be admitted to a performance during a suitable break, and in some cases, may be excluded. Please call the Creative Learning team on 02 9250 7770 to notify us if you are running late.
Your safety and security is paramount to us during your visit to the Opera House. Therefore, all items larger than the dimensions of a standard A4 piece of paper must be checked in to the cloakroom. As they have limited space, we ask that teachers and students do not bring large bags/backpacks to the performance. Some bag trolleys may be available for your school in the Western Foyers. Please ensure that any prohibited items are left at home (e.g. scissors).
Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch and snacks, however you’ll find food and drinks outlets on the lower level of the concourse.
Please note food and drink are permitted inside the foyers, but only bottled water in the venues.
We recommend that students take their meal breaks on the Monumental Steps/Forecourt or in the Botanic Gardens immediately adjacent the SOH precinct. In inclement weather, there is ample room to take breaks underneath the Monumental Steps. In situations of particularly poor weather, breaks can be had in the Western Foyer. We ask that you please limit this to an as needed basis to avoid foyer congestion for other members of the General Public. There are several food and beverage options on site, as well as food and beverage options close by in Circular Quay.
Getting here
We are a 15-minute walk from Circular Quay, the closest station for public transport via train, bus and ferry. To view timetable information and ensure your public transport needs can be met, please check the Transport NSW website.
Buses and coaches can’t park onsite at Sydney Opera House. Large buses must disembark passengers on Macquarie Street in the allocated drop off zone. Please contact City of Sydney to confirm bus and coach set down areas. We recommend allowing an additional 10 minutes for walking from Macquarie Street.
Frequently asked questions
Please ensure that your group arrives at the venue 30 minutes prior to the performance start time.
If you are late, we will seat you as soon as possible, but please be aware that some events have lock out periods where late comers cannot be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Occasionally this is not until the interval, and in some instances late comers won’t be admitted at all.
Yes, use this information to prepare a risk assessment and risk management plan. Teachers undertaking a risk assessment and risk management plan should be aware that Sydney Opera House cannot complete the risk assessment for them.
Food and drink are permitted inside the foyers, but not in the venues.
Please contact our Creative Learning Ticketing Specialists on 02 9250 7770 as soon as possible to advise if your group can no longer attend.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
The Opera House has also developed a Child-friendly Code of Conduct to engage with our youngest visitors.
Excursions at the Opera House
A Day Out at the House
Offer your students to an unforgettable day out at the Sydney Opera House with our new curated program. Students can attend a Creative Learning Performance or Workshop onsite accompanied by a Walking Tour of our internationally renowned performing arts centre, all in time to back by the final school bell.
Arts Assist
Does your School need financial assistance to attend a Sydney Opera House excursion?
Schools Tour
Filled with stories that demonstrate the power of creativity, students join a guided tour to learn how architect Jørn Utzon created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that changed the course of 20th century architecture.
