Today, we have a variety of options for listening to music whenever and wherever we choose, from CDs and the radio to downloads and online streaming. But prior to the development of this technology, how did people listen to music? Opera was an artform whereby this was possible. No instrument has the power of the human voice to reach the deepest feelings of the human spirit. It is a way to entertain and move people with vocal sounds, supported by an orchestral. Today the day, opera is a pure artform that’s got a bit in the background because of the wide span of activities that society offers us. Nevertheless, it has a rich history and offers a safe space to take a break from the neverending pressure of expectations we have to deal with every day. It offers us a reflection of who we are, how we relate to others, and what it means, collectively and individually, to be human. This research plan investigates how an opera house in Berlin can be designed in such a way it will produce a boost for the artform and will enhance the future improvement of opera Abstract together with the cultural development of Berlin. The idea of designing a framework for a 21st century opera and polishing the ‘dusty‘ imago of the opera will be the key provider for this research. To get an answer to the research the following research question is set up: ‘’How can architecture help to design an opera house in Berlin to boost the popularity of opera performances in the future?’’ The conceptual framework is based on different theories that support different levels of research. Methods such as fieldwork, literature research, and case studies extend assumptions through a varied Scala of knowledge. The outcome of the research will help with the design choices that need to be taken during the process. Furthermore, it can be used as guidelines for new research around the topic of performing arts, and encourage possible design questions regarding the site, the program, and the client of opera houses.

Every year, cities in general and heritage cities in particular, welcome a large number of tourists from all over the world. Different authors have argued that the heritage tourism segment is showing even better growth than others and that the number of visitors to art cities is growing more than expected based on general growth figures. The Netherlands is currently experiencing a rapid development in tourism of which Amsterdam, a city of cultural and art tourism, is the main destination. Scholars extensively discuss the impact of tourism on the environment economy and society and emphasize the need for sustainable tourism development, but relevant questions remain open. In particular, research has not yet been able to quantify when and where tourism and non-touristic developments are in a good balance. This present thesis review’s Amsterdam’s history and studies the diversity of urban activities present in the city. Building on this analysis as well as on diversity mapping results, the thesis suggests that urban diversity mapping may be helpful in determining where and when tourism can support urban development in Amsterdam.