The Dream of Perfection
Dir. John Weiley
THE DREAM OF PERFECTION is as extraordinary as its provocative subject matter, the dramatic story of the building of the Sydney Opera House, culminating in Utzons departure from the project. Director John Weiley was commissioned in 1968 to make the documentary Autopsy on a Dream by then BBC2 controller David Attenborough, and following its only screening on the BBC, it was destroyed literally chopped to pieces on the chopping block. Miraculously, a mute print of Autopsy on a Dream was rediscovered in a BBC vault this year, and has now been restored with sound saved by John Weiley, and with a new prologue. The film features interviews with David Attenborough, Jan Utzon, Lin Utzon, and Richard Neville.
Heart of Glass: 1 Bligh St Sydney
Dir. Peter Hyatt
Producers: HyattGallery
Duration: 53 minutes
Language: English
The documentary is produced by Peter Hyatt of Hyatt and Associates and follows the 12 year journey to build 1 Bligh Street located in Sydney CBD. Winner of the DEXUS/City of Sydney design competition, 1 Bligh Street signifies to Sydney a departure from conservative office design and development.
1 Bligh Street is designed by Architectus of Sydney and Ingenhoven Architects of Germany. Taking advantage of the prime harbor location, the building establishes a strong connection to the water and adjacent Farrer Place. Large floorplates of 1,600sqm are column free with uninterrupted office, toilet and fire stair views to Sydney Harbor. For more information about the design of 1 Bligh Street check out the Architectus website.
In the middle of the global financial crisis the cranes of 1 Bligh Street remained in operation. The documentary follows the design (vision, concept, sustainability and technology), complications and delivery of 1 Bligh Street. I recommend enjoying this the same way I did – with a choc top and popcorn!
Since competition, 1 Bligh Street has won the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat award for most outstanding new tall building in Asia, the first Australian tower to do so, as well as three awards from the Australian Institute of Architects for best commercial building, sustainable building and urban design.
Review courtesy of archi-ninja.com
