Architecture Unboxed Design and STEAM workshop
Term 1 – 4
High School: Stage 5 – 6, Years 9 – 12
Learning areas: Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Engineering
Deepen students creative thinking as they learn to ‘think like an architect’ developing their ideas considering design principles and the human experience.
| Term | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Friday 7 March 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 1 | Friday 4 April 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 2 | Friday 16 May 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 2 | Friday 23 May 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Friday 8 August 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Friday 19 September 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Friday 31 October 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Friday 7 November 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Friday 14 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).
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 approximately 90 minutes. Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Materials: All 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).
Useful information:
Learn to think like an architect
Student’s learn how to draw and think like an architect in this interactive workshop that explores Sydney Opera House’s architect’s Jørn Utzon’s legacy of design thinking, and the impact of architecture on people, cities and public space.
Designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Sydney Opera House is a unique and innovative building that represents a breakthrough in modern architecture. From conception to completion, the building tested the limits of engineering, construction and design. The iconic sail-like structures have made it a symbol of Sydney and modern Australia as a whole, and is now a World Heritage-listed masterpiece.
This workshop explores Utzon’s unique legacy of design thinking, and the impact of how architecture can change the way people live in cities and experience public space.
In this workshop students will:
- Learn about the Sydney Opera House and its impact on architecture across the world.
- Use found objects and recycled materials to test design thinking, inspire new prototypes for architecture, and express abstract ideas for what a building can be.
- Understand design thinking through the Utzon Design Principles, such as inspiration from nature and the human experience.
- Consider how to develop ideas individually and as a group, and be inspired to develop a portfolio and take your major works to the next level.
- Learn how architects draw and approach problem solving.
Presented by Sydney Opera House this workshop was developed by architect Louise O’Brien
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
Arts Assist
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.
