Sydney Opera House mourns architect's death (AP)

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd led praise for the Danish architect, whose most distinctive creation had a troublesome birth in Australia but is now held dear as perhaps the country's most recognized icon.

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"Joern Utzon was a visionary architect whose legacy includes one of the world's most spectacular and inspiring buildings, the Sydney Opera House," Rudd said in a statement. Floodlights that illuminate the shell-like structure were dimmed for one hour Sunday night to mark Utzon's death. Flags on the city's other landmark, the arch-like Sydney Harbor Bridge, would be lowered to half-staff on Monday to honor Utzon, the New South Wales state government announced.

Full Story: Sydney Opera House mourns architect's death (AP)