Shape

Joern Utzon, designer, made a radical breakthrough in the roof design he changed the whole shape of the shells by cutting each of them out of the
same sphere the ribs follow meridian curves on spheres of the same radius. Complicated computer calculations were used to work out how to build the curved roof structure, and how to place trays of titles onto it.

Size

The top of the tallest shell roof is 221 feet above sea level-as tall as a
22-story office block. The entire building occupies around 4.5 acres of its
5.5-acre site.

Pattern

The tiles accentuate the radial pattern of the building and glisten in the light like fish scales.

Space

Joern Utzon uses the devise of served and servant spaces [characteristic
of modern architecture] in the design of the building. Servant areas within
the podium, such as kitchens and offices, provide functions that sustain the
activities within the prominent served areas of the building such as the walk-ways, auditoriums, and foyers.

Column

The roofs are supported on 32 concrete columns up to 8 feet square.

Ribbed Vaulting

The precast-concrete rib vaults are clad in a combination of over one million glazed and matte ceramic tiles.