A powerful image was achieved with the implementation of Boston City Hall. It is not difficult to criticize the massive brick plaza that is too often empty and daunting. Yes, I could agree that it is very much out of scale and needs to be softened- possibly with greenery- as it is “inhospitable to the vibrant civic life that its architects had imagined”. I sense that this issue is being worked through, even with the new Government Center Station, as it contrasts the concrete structure with its glass enclosure. But looking past all this, I want to explore the strategic way that Kallmann and McKinnell tackled the massive structure itself to make it anything but mundane, to do anything but copy another classical styled building. Each wall- seen from the perspective I have chosen- was thoughtfully placed to create an intentional opening, relationship, or shadow.
I find the lack of symmetry between the two long facades of City Hall interesting. It speaks on how every part of the structure was dealt with in a very precise manner. Note that the windows are not exaggerated in terms of size- despite how large the building itself is. The designers were careful to create an experience at human scale. The change in elevation allowed the structure to be accessed and seen from both Cambridge and Congress Street. Making your way through this area, landmarks direct your path and Boston City Hall extends itself down to meet you. Despite the density of this area I always find myself being directed by City Hall, Faneuil Hall, and The Old State House. Though this is not by any means a flawless design, it is significant in many ways and can be credited for breaking the envelope. In the reading it mentions that McKinnell had stated “When we designed City Hall, we really wanted to make this an exemplar of an authentic architecture” and I think that is exactly what they did.
