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Dissecting Geometry Visual arts and STEAM workshop

Term 1 - 4

Primary - High School: Stage 3 5, Years 5 10
Learning areas: Mathematics, Design and Technology, STEAM

Using the Sydney Opera House building as a catalyst for learning, in this hands-on workshop students create abstracted architectural models and drawings that explore the architecture and geometry of our UNESCO world heritage listed building.

I draw to see things from a new perspective.

Student comment

Useful information:

Exploring mathematics through visual arts

Utilising the charismatic and thought-provoking Eddie Woo Maths at the Sydney Opera House videos, students learn about architecture, perspective, geometry and Jørn Utzon’s ‘Spherical Solution’ to gain an understanding of the mechanics, engineering and sheer creativity involved in constructing the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Students develop a series of drawings through observing the structure of the building, and work with archival photographs and objects to dissect the mathematical patterns, additive and pre-fabricated elements of the building to create new or alternative versions of the Sydney Opera House. From here, students use installation and sculptural processes to enlarge, distort, emphasise and recreate aspects of the building from different perspectives.


In this workshop, students:

  • Create a series of observational sketches, collaborative three-dimensional drawings and small sculptural models that replicate the geometry of the Sydney Opera House.
  • Work with peers to distort and abstract patterns and structures of the Opera House to create new imagined versions of the Sydney Opera House and surrounding buildings.
  • Develop an understanding of the Utzon Design Principles, in particular Utzon's use of additive architecture, counter balance, sculpture and form.
  • Interrogate historic and contemporary maps, photographs, drawings and models of the Sydney Opera House and consider how architects, engineers and builders collaborated and problem solved to create the building seen today.

Developed by Sarah Fitzgerald in collaboration with the Creative Learning Team at the Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House recognises the work of educator Eddie Woo in developing and delivering mathematics teaching and learning strategies specific to the Sydney Opera House that have informed the outcomes and activities for this Creative Learning Module

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Plan your visit

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.

A group of girls wave at the camera in school uniform. The Sydney Opera House sails are seen blurry in the background.

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.

A young girl wearing a school uniform stares out a window in a Sydney Opera House foyer. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is seen in the background.

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