A Prominent Brutalist Structure
Boston City Hall is a textbook case of brutalist architecture. Completed in 1968 to replace an aging city hall that was in use since 1865, the structure was considered a modern upgrade. The design was selected from a pool of entries in a two-stage competition held in 1962. The winning designer was Gehard Kallman, a Columbia University professor. The design was selected because the purely geometric forms and open spaces expressed the internal functions of the building—undoubtedly a successful interpretation of brutalist architecture. However, the building has generated some criticism since its completion; some see the dark swaths of concrete and sharp edges as intimidating and imposing. In 2008, it was voted the 'World's Ugliest Building' in an online poll by virtualtourist.com.
- Under Construction from 1963-1968
- Designed by Gerhard Kallman
- Constructed with precast concrete
- Brutalist Modern