While Revell had worked on the Finnish pavilion at the World Exhibition in Paris, his greatest achievement was in winning the competition Toronto's city council had set forthfor the design of its new Hall.

THE BUILDING

For decades there had been talk of a new town hall at the forefront of political discussions. The old building could not keep the pace with the ever-growing population of Toronto. The creation of a new hall was very important to the developing metropolitan area of Toronto and people didn't want it to be overshadowed by commercial buildings. It should be a building that offered presence in an ever-growing town, in essence, a focal point.

A scale model of Toronto, including the new City Hall

Revell had a way of making this happen, and out of 520 competitors, his idea for City Hall was chosen. His remarkably modern design, in that time period, would put Toronto on the map, and be worth thousands in tourism.

The building he designed was unlike anything people had ever seen before, which may be why it was once used during the filming of a "star-trek" episode. Seen from above, the Toronto City Hall is much like an eye between two eyelids.

This is an example of modern design that would look futuristic on the set of "Star Trek"

The building is separated into three parts. The central part is the city council's chambers, which is a round, saucer-like structure. This structure is enveloped by two office towers, of differing heights, which curve and resemble two half circles. This is an important shape to note, because, in Finland, the eye represents democratic ruling.

The building, being different, required some unique solutions to its structural problems. The circular council chamber is held up by a sole reinforced support
Beam - which happens to be hollow. Enclosed inside are the necessary electrical wires, plumbing and heating. The ceiling was created from a single mold, and aluminum strips can be snapped in and out of position (other supports exist besides the aluminum strips). To absorb sound, the chamber is carpeted and its ceiling is sprayed with a carpet-like fiber. Because it was built in the windy great lake area, the circular office towers have been ribbed. This keeps the structure from tearing, as the height and curvature of the buildings would act like wings, and the air pressure would differ on each wing.

There were many controversies that surrounded the building of City-Hall from the beginning of its development. The site chosen for the building was a problem in itself. To clear space for the new structure, two older, but well-known buildings would need to be demolished. The product of this event was a conflict amongst Torontonians who vied for the architectural past of the city and those who wanted to develop. There were other problems as well. Two judges did not agree with Vilo winning the competition and wanted to consider other submissions, and space needed to be rented out in the building to compensate one that was to be demolished. The site was also home to Toronto’s first China Town, and many people would need to be evicted. However, even with all the controversy surrounding its creation, all this could be considered normal public discussion for a building so well known.

Toronto’s new city hall became a landmark for the ever-growing metropolitan area. Its futuristic/modernist design captured the attention of people across the globe, gathering publicity for the new city in Canada. It could even be argued that Viljo’s Toronto City Hall was the key in its flourishing success.
After the City Hall was erected, many other innovative buildings followed its example. For Revell, it was common for his art to dominate the urban scene. In the case of Toronto’s city hall, the reaction was no different. Today, the City Hall, as well as being the home of the city’s council, is a place that has seen many famous faces, and is even pictured on Toronto’s flag.

The building, estimated to cost $7 million in the beginning, skyrocketed to an eventual $31 million.

In September, 2:00 p.m. on September 13, 1965 the Toronto City Hall opened.

Site designed by Kaitlyn Watson and Kate Legge

Design 11, Horton High School

May 2005