Sydney Opera House BUILD Program 2025

teal background with abstract representation of the Sydney Opera House sails in white in front of a yellow square

Sydney Opera House BUILD Program: 24 November - 5 December 2025

Participation in the BUILD Program at the Creative Learning Centre offers a truly unique opportunity to immerse yourself for 10 days of exploring the architecture, engineering and design of the Sydney Opera House – one of the world’s most recognised buildings.

Western Sydney University students can register now to be part of this unique Creative Learning program for tertiary students, exploring the built environment through diverse and socially engaged design perspectives. Students tackle a future-facing design challenge by collaborating in interdisciplinary teams.

Students may get program credit for participation.

More information about the Tertiary Built Environment Creative Lab here (opens in a new window)

The Opera House is a World Heritage-listed masterpiece of ‘human creative genius’ that belongs to all Australians. The collaboration between architects Jørn Utzon and Peter Hall, and Sir Ove Arup, engineer, designer and philosopher, led to design, architectural, building and creative solutions resulting in a home of performing arts that continues to change the way we experience our world and learn through the intersection of the arts and architecture.

As much as you will experience new perspectives from leaders in various fields, BUILD offers an exciting opportunity to bring leadership and perspectives to design and creativity through the lens of Western Sydney’s diverse cultures and communities.

Built to Last mentorship program: Applications open 13 October!

Sydney Opera House is thrilled to invite you to apply for Built to Last, our dynamic mentorship program designed to support and accelerate your journey into the built environment industry.

Built to Last offers 10 Sydney Opera House (SOH) BUILD alumni the chance to be mentored by a diverse group of young professionals, including MADE alumni and industry leaders. This hands-on, immersive program is designed to fast-track professional growth while building lasting industry connections.

This program has been created to empower you with the guidance, skills, and industry connections needed for a strong start to your career. Through Built to Last, you’ll be paired with an experienced industry mentor and have the chance to gain firsthand insights into the professional world of architecture, engineering, and the built environment. Together, you and your mentor will engage in structured 1:1 sessions, you’ll attend industry days at leading firms, and participate in professional development and networking events — all culminating in a final celebration.

The program will run from February-June 2026.

black and whilte photo of Jørn Utzon holding a model representing part of the internal structure of the Sydney Opera House


What credit can I get for participating?

UG engineering, this experience can be used towards ENGR3017 Industrial Experience (Engineering) which is 12 weeks and or ENGNR 2033 Industrial Experience (Engineering Technologist) which is 8 weeks.

Master of Engineering students participating in this program can receive 2 weeks (10 days) of credit toward their ENGR7013 Industrial Experience (PG), upon successful completion.

In the Bachelor of Architecture program, there are four elective subjects (4x10cp) in semesters 3, 4, 5, and 6. Completing the Opera House Program will be counted as one of those four elective subjects.

In the Bachelor of Construction Management and Bachelor of Building Design Management, 150 hours towards Industry based learning subject or will receive credit for one 10cp elective for students who successfully complete this program and provide satisfactory reflection to their APA. Students should contact their Academic Program Advisor to discuss. Note: The credit for one elective will not count towards your GPA and will appear as an ‘unspecified elective’ on a student’s academic record.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communications), should enrol in DESN3014 Design: Industry Engagement to receive academic credit for successful completion.

For Bachelor of Design (Visual Communications) Dean’s Scholars students (who don’t have electives in their program sequence) the two produced artefacts in BUILD will be considered as credit for the student’s Applied Project – Creating Future Cities (35%) assessment in DESN2016 Creativity, Design Thinking and Visualisation on offer in Autumn 2026.

Bachelor of Design and Technology or Bachelor of Industrial Design or Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) students: successful completion of the SOH Build Program will be counted toward either an 10-credit point 'unspecified elective at Level 3' or may replace ENGR3028 Mentored Practice in Design Innovation, upon formal application, submission of BUILD portfolio, and approvals. Students should contact their Academic Program Advisor to apply for credit once they have completed the program.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Planning (Pathway to Master of Urban Management and Planning) will receive 10cp of unspecified credit. This can count as one of the Elective subjects required for the program. Students should contact their Academic Program Advisor to apply for credit once they have completed the program. Note: The credit for one elective will not count towards your GPA and will appear as an ‘unspecified elective’ on a student’s academic record.

Students enrolled in the Master of Urban Management and Planning, or Master of Planning, will not receive credit.

For students in other subjects who wish to apply for the program and receive credit please speak with your Director of Academic Program in the first instance.

You can participate in the program without having it as a requirement for course credit.

Is there a cost for the program?

Participation in the BUILD Program is free thanks to the generosity of the Arup Foundation. You will be responsible for your own personal and incidental expenses, including travel.

What does the program look like?

The Lab will take place over 10 full days. You will engage in tours, talks, workshops and activities within the Sydney Opera House’s world class facilities. You will work in interdisciplinary teams to explore the architecture, engineering and design of the Sydney Opera House building, deepen your knowledge of First Nations perspectives and inclusive access to a built environment site. You will respond to a future-facing design challenge, while incorporating your own values, ethics and professional aspirations.

Do I need to attend every day?

Yes, registration in the program requires full attendance over the 10-day program. This is an intensive, participatory and integrated program, where participants gain deeper understanding of what a socially engaged and interdisciplinary built environment practice may look like.

Where is the venue?

Sydney Opera House is located on Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point between Circular Quay and the Botanic Gardens. The Creative Learning Centre will be the venue for the lab program, except for a one-day excursion to Pittwater. The Creative Learning Centre is located at the northern end of the Sydney Opera House.

See the following web pages for information about:

Who else is participating?

We are looking for 60 enthusiastic Western Sydney University students from architecture, engineering and other, complementary degrees. You will work in small groups with both new and familiar faces.

I want to participate! How do I sign up?

Follow this link to the application page for further info and bookings: Apply Now
You can also use the red Apply Now button on the right hand side of this page.

I have a specific question. Whom do I ask?

Speak to your Director of Academic Programs or email: pooled-engagement@westernsydney.edu.au