Classical music and the performing arts have always been associated with ‘closed activity’ the upper class, and the traditional concert hall architecture reflects this. Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas sought to change this perception with a more ‘democratic’, open design for Porto’s Casa da Musica. This modern building uses a lot of glass elements to connect the interior to the external environment, inviting everyday folks from the street to engage with the activities inside. Visitors to the concert hall can even watch (but not hear) concerts and practices in the hall and studios through various glass viewing galleries or from the bars.

Convention organizers may perhaps rent the main auditorium in the day for meetings, and then run music-based team building activities in some of the interactive studios. For smaller groups, the meeting programme can include a theme dinner at Casa da Musica’s restaurant, exclusive VIP room, bars and outdoor balcony spaces, ending with a concert by the resident Symphonic Orchestra, if it coincides with the season.

For more information, visit: http://www.casadamusica.com/en/