Short Termism-Sydney Oprea House-Part 2

The construction of the roof of the was a long and difficult that required new analytical techniques to be developed and formulated because of the huge technical complexity associated with creating the "shell" shape of the roof. Such complexity was not understood by the politicians and the general public who screamed for instant satisfaction.

Overall, there was 12 different analytical methods developed over a six year period from 1957 to 1963 until a solution was finally arrived a upon. The construction of the roof was finally completed in 1967, years after the originally projected date of completion. Such a long process added significantly to the cost, time of construction and resulted in considerable public dis-satisfaction.

During the completion of the roof there was a change in the leadership of New South Wales when Robert Askin was elected prime minister. During the election campaign, Askin had played a upon public unease in relation to the rising costs associated with the Oprea House for his own short term politcal gain.

Based on this mandate, the new leadership ensued that the remainder of the building was completed in an environment that was perverse and acrimonious . This environment was developed by Askin's appointee to the office of public works David Hughes. A man who was later described as having "no interest in art, architecture or aesthetics".