A closer look
Sydney Opera House's distinct, sail-like roof is covered in over one million interlocking ceramic tiles that were specially designed to be self-cleaning whenever it rains, preventing the massive structure from looking terribly dirty. Up close, the majestic white sails you see in wide panoramic shots are actually a subtle chevron pattern of glossy white and matte cream tiles that look surprisingly similar to the flooring in a nineteen-seventies suburban bathroom. It is incredible how distance and professional lighting can transform a massive pile of slightly beige bathroom ceramics into one of the most recognizable and romanticized architectural achievements of the twentieth century. Next time you marvel at a postcard from Australia, just remember you are basically looking at a highly engineered shower stall
