When we think of the Sydney Opera House, we feel that we know exactly what it looks like because we’ve seen photos of it for so many years. But seeing it up close in person gives an entirely new perspective of something we think we know so well.
The roof of the Sydney Opera House, which is itself three separately structures, is not solid nor white. It is made up of countless small off-white tiles. The reason it is not white is because the designers felt that a white roof would reflect the sunlight so strongly that it would be blinding to people.
And the tiles are specially coated so that, when it rains, the rain water itself cleans the tiles. The special material in the tiles makes them self-cleaning in this way. It is someone’s job to tap all of the tiles and listen to the noise each one makes when hit, because if the sound is wrong that means the material has worn away and the tile must be replaced.
So the next time you think you know everything about a famous landmark, remember that you may not and try to see it for yourself in person, even if it’s very far away.
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