Sydney Opera House BUILD Program 2024

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

Sydney Opera House BUILD Program: 25 November - 6 December 2024

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.

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

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What credit can I get for participating?

Engineering students will be credited two weeks participation counting towards industrial experience time requirements in ENGR3017 Industrial Experience (Engineering), ENGR7013 Industrial Experience (PG)and ENGNR 2033 Industrial Experience (Engineering Technologist).

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.

In the Bachelor of Design (Visual Communications), there are four elective subjects (4 x 10cp) in 3rd and 4th year. Successful participation in the Tertiary SOH Build program will allow students to receive credit for one 10cp elective. 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. Successful applicants to the SOH Build program in November 2023 will be advised to omit an Autumn elective in 2024, on the condition of receiving a completion certificate.

For Bachelor of Design (Visual Communications) Dean’s Scholars students  (who don’t have electives in their program sequence) the two produced artifacts 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 2024.

Industrial Design: Bachelor of Design and Technology or Bachelor of Industrial Design/Honours successful completion of the SOH Build Program will be counted toward a 10-credit point 'unspecified elective' upon formal application and approvals.

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.

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.

For students in other subjects who wish to apply for the program and receive credit please speak with your DAP 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