Jørn Utzon (1918-2008)

Jørn Utzon in front of the Sydney Opera House in 1965 Photograph: Newspix /Rex Features

Utzon displays a diagram of a detail of Sydney Opera House in the mid-60s. Utzon's design won an international competition but he was pushed off the project in 1966 after wrangling with the state government Photograph: Scanpix /Reuters

An aerial view reveals construction work on the Sydney Opera House during the 1960s Photograph: /Getty

The roof is lifted on to the Sydney Opera House in 1963 Photograph: J. R. T. Richardson/Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II officially opens the Sydney Opera House on October 20 1973 Photograph: Keystone/Getty Images

The sails of the Sydney Opera House are set against the sky. 'I made the Opera House for the people of Sydney - and they are much like myself,' said Utzon. 'They are sporty, happy, healthy people who like exciting things' Photograph: Ian Waldie/Getty Images

Boats in the Sydney harbour pass in front of the Sydney Opera House on a foggy morning Photograph: Tim Wimborne/Reuters

The refurbishment of the Sydney Opera House's concert hall in 2005 Photograph: Sydney Opera House

Another of Utzon's creations: the national assembly building in Kuwait City (1972-1984) Photograph: Yann Arthus-Bertrand/Corbis

Despite his other achievements - Utzon house in Hellebaek, Kingo Houses in Helsinore and Can Lis in Mallorca - Sydney Opera House will remain synonymous with the architect's name Photograph: Ian Waldie/Getty Images