The City, Sydney

Through a process of decoding and untangling, we will explore contemporary Sydney and reveal the underlying political, economic, ecological and cultural forces that give the city form.

Around the city model you will discover the ways indigenous patterns of human occupation, an unruly landscape and early settlement decisions influence the contemporary city. You will learn why Circular Quay was the perfect ‘campsite’ that ticks every box in terms of semi-nomadic patterns of human occupation and how politics at a state and federal level represent competing forces at a city level.

Our route will focus on the defining architectural and urban projects in the city centre.

Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Renzo Piano’s first two Australian projects and his first high-rise building will be our focus. His tower playing ‘mainsail’ to Utzon’s ‘spinnaker’ just one of the many ways he found to establish a meaningful dialogue with Utzon’s ‘grand old lady down the road’.

We will explore Christoph Ingenhoven’s 1 Bligh Street - one of the greenest commercial buildings in Australia, a building that contrasts beautifully with Denton Corker Marshall’s tall, dark and handsome Governor Phillip and Macquarie Towers.

The tour will explore the collection of urban and architectural interventions known as Quay Quarter designed by local heroes, Aspect Studios, Studio Bright and others. Danish firm 3XN’s Quay Quarter Tower, the centre piece of this development was named World Building of the Year at the 2022 World Architecture Festival.

What Else?

If you have a Gift Card, click “Apply gift card” in the booking window.

Please arrive 10min prior to departure.

Tours depart rain or shine so dress for the weather! The weather is usually great, but a sun hut and sunscreen is always a good idea in Sydney.

CPD for Architects.

If you are an architect then participating in any SAW tour can earn you Formal CPD points. At checkout, click ‘yes’ when prompted.

More information here.

Almost but not quite?

We can conduct this tour - or something similar - any day of the week as a private group tour for groups of any size. Email us at info@sydneyarchitecture.org.