ABSTRACT
Introduction Purpose-built halls that serve solely as concert halls or opera houses are increasingly rare today because of high construction and operational costs. Only a few major international cities and highprofile institutions with deep pockets can afford them. Single-purpose halls have the advantage of being able to provide an ideal acoustic, theatrical, and artistic environment for each art form in individual facilities. The symphony can rehearse on the stage unencumbered by other performers needing the facility. The opera only needs to share its home for occasional outside performances. The theater can arrange sets that remain in place for extended periods of time (see Figure 1.1).
