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Few buildings have been more controversial than those belonging to the brutalist genre; and Boston City Hall is no exception. When its concrete block volumes were unveiled on the 10 February 1969, the launch was underscored by as much fanfare as criticism. Yet, it has now become a much-loved landmark of contemporary architecture, recognised as one of the brutalist movement’s most significant expressions. And the striking building has just marked the 50th anniversary of its grand launch. 

Designed by Michael McKinnell of Kallmann McKinnell & Knowles, the Boston City Hall was part of the area’s greater government complex redesign and was created following an international competition. The structure is dramatic, featuring cantilevered elements and a highly articulated concrete facade that is instantly recognisable. 

Built in 1968, Boston City Hall has been controversial but is considered a landmark brutalist building. Photography: Ezra Stoller/Esto, as published in ‘Heroic: Concrete Architecture and the New Boston’ (Monacelli Press)

Three distinct horizontal layers serve three different uses. The brick base houses more public areas of the building (while references through its material Boston’s historical architecture); the middle part, with its tall concrete columns and high ceilings is reserved for the public officials; while the top section and its standardized, pre-cast concrete fins and window frames hosts office space. 

To celebrate this anniversary, the Boston City Hall has partnered with architect and designer Chris Grimley, a founding principal of OverUnder and director of the firm’s pinkcomma gallery, to create an exclusive reproduction of a metal lapel pin given to attendees as a memento during the 1960s inauguration. A percentage of the sales will be donated to support the work of docomomo US, which is dedicated to the preservation of modern architecture, landscape and design. §

boston city hall sketch

Early conceptual sketch showing site section and building’s courtyard configuration. Image: courtesy Kallmann McKinnell & Wood Architects, as published in ‘Heroic: Concrete Architecture and the New Boston’ (Monacelli Press)

Early conceptual sketch showing site section and building’s courtyard configuration. Image: courtesy Kallmann McKinnell & Wood Architects, as published in ‘Heroic: Concrete Architecture and the New Boston’ (Monacelli Press)

boston city hall anniversary

Competition sketch of the City Hall council chamber ‘hoods’. Image: courtesy Kallmann McKinnell & Wood Architects, as published in ‘Heroic: Concrete Architecture and the New Boston’ (Monacelli Press)

Competition sketch of the City Hall council chamber ‘hoods’. Image: courtesy Kallmann McKinnell & Wood Architects, as published in ‘Heroic: Concrete Architecture and the New Boston’ (Monacelli Press)