In honour of Sydney Opera House’s 40th Anniversary celebrations in October 2013, the Opera House and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, with the support of Australian and Danish sponsors and contributors, established the Multidisciplinary Australian Danish Exchange, or MADE by the Opera House.

About MADE

MADE by the Opera House will promote international and cross-disciplinary interaction between students of engineering, architecture and design (in the built environment). As well as providing multidisciplinary experience for Australian and Danish students, the program will foster cultural links between the two countries. This is particularly fitting as it complements the role that Danish architect Jørn Utzon played in the innovative design and construction of the Opera House.

Sponsors and contributors

The support of industry organisations and foundations will encourage closer collaboration between professionals and students in the area of the built environment. MADE by the Opera House is currently supported by:

• Arup and Steensen Varming in Australia, both of which have strong relationships with the design, construction and ongoing development of the Opera House, and which support international and multidisciplinary collaboration in the built environment.

• The NSW Architects Registration Board, which supports the future of the architectural profession, and encourages collaboration across design and construction professionals for the benefit of the community.

• The Bikuben Foundation, which supports and develops high-quality social and cultural projects throughout Denmark and Greenland.

• The Dreyer Foundation, which supports projects and initiatives to promote legal and architectural development and interaction within society.

• The Obel Family Foundation, which supports development-oriented, sustainable organisations and initiatives within research, education, arts and culture.

• The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation, which educates architects, designers and conservators.

The MADE program

Each year, ten students in the fields of architecture, engineering and design (in the built environment) will participate in the MADE by the Opera House program. Five students from an Australian university based in NSW and five students from a Danish university will be selected for a six-week exchange program to Denmark and Australia respectively.

Australian students will travel to Denmark in January-February, and Danish students will travel to Australia in July-August. In 2015, the program for the Australian students will run from Monday 12 January to Friday 20 February.

Broadly, the curriculum will include:

• Placement at a host architecture firm to work in a collaborative team on a multidisciplinary project, with technical support from various engineering firms;

• A visit to a performing arts or cultural centre;

• A visit to other significant works of architecture, including works by Jørn Utzon

• Completion of a collaborative multidisciplinary project with consideration of the Utzon Design Principles;

• Collaboration with Arup and Steensen Varming, who will provide professional advice and mentorship to the assigned project;

• An opportunity to stay at Jørn Utzon’s residence ‘Can Lis’ in Majorca, Spain the week prior to program commencement.

All instruction will be conducted in English. A Danish MADE representative will provide ground support to the students.

Scholarship

Each student will be provided with the equivalent of AU$6,000 to cover international airfares, accommodation and living expenses during their visit. Students will be responsible for organising their own accommodation. However, a Danish MADE representative will provide assistance and advice.

Applications

Applications are open to students who are enrolled in an Australian university and who will have completed their third year of an engineering, architecture or design (in the built environment) degree by 31 December 2014. Refer to the MADE Application and Program Terms and Conditions for Student Eligibility.

Applications open on Tuesday 24 June 2014 and close at 23:59 (AEST) on Tuesday 22 July 2014. Eligible students may apply by visiting the MADE by the Opera House website. The five successful Australian students will be notified in mid-August and invited to attend the farewell event for the inaugural Danish program at Sydney Opera House on 22 August 2014.

For further details including how to apply, refer to www.sydneyoperahouse.com/made. For any questions, email made@sydneyoperahouse.com.

UNSW Students selected for this program should notify advisor4globaled@unsw.edu.au.