CITY HALL (GOVERNMENT BUILDING)

In local government, a city hall, town hall, civic centre, (in the UK or Australia) a guildhall, a rathaus
(German), or (more rarely) a municipal building, is the chief administrative building of a city, town, or
other municipality. It usually houses the city or town council, its associated departments, and their
employees. It also usually functions as the base of the mayor of a city, town, borough, or county / shire.

By convention, until the mid 19th-century, a single large open chamber (or 'hall') formed an integral part
of the building housing the council. The hall may be used for council meetings and other significant
events. This large chamber, the 'town hall', (and its later variant 'city hall') has become synonymous with
the whole building, and with the administrative body housed in it. The terms 'council chambers',
'municipal building' or variants may be used locally in preference to 'town hall' if no such large hall is
present within the building.

The local government may endeavor to use the town hall building to promote and enhance the quality of
life of the community. In many cases, "'town halls' serve not only as buildings for government functions,
but also have facilities for various civic and cultural activities. These may include art shows, stage
performances, exhibits and festivals. Modern town halls or "civic centres" are often designed with a great
variety and flexibility of purpose in mind.

As symbols of local government, city and town halls have distinctive architecture, and the buildings may
have great historical significance - for example the Guildhall, London. City hall buildings may also serve
as cultural icons that symbolize their cities.

Nomenclature

The term "town hall" is a general one, often applied without regard to whether the building serves or
served a town or a city. This is generally the case in the United Kingdom (with examples such as
Manchester and Liverpool Town Halls in the cities of Manchester and Liverpool respectively), Australia
(with Sydney Town Hall in the city of Sydney), New Zealand, Hong Kong, and many other
Commonwealth countries.

English-speakers in some regions use the term "city hall" to designate the council offices of a
municipality of city status. This is the case in North America, where a distinction is made between city
halls and town halls; and is also the case with Brisbane City Hall in Australia.

The Oxford English Dictionary sums up the generic terms:

 town hall: "A large hall used for the transaction of the public business of a town, the holding of a
court of justice, assemblies, entertainments, etc.; the great hall of the town-house or municipal
building; now very commonly applied to the whole building"
 city hall: "chiefly N. Amer., the chief municipal offices of a city; hence, the municipal officers
collectively"

County Council administrations in parts of England and Wales generally operate from a base in a building
called, by analogy, a "County Hall" or "Shire Hall". Conversely, cities that have subdivisions with their
own councils may have borough halls. In Scotland, local government in larger cities operates from the
"City Chambers", otherwise the "Town House".

Elsewhere in English-speaking countries, other names are occasionally used. In London, the official
headquarters of administration of the City of London retains its Anglo-Saxon name, the Guildhall,
signifying a place where taxes were paid. In a small number of English cities (including Birmingham,
Coventry and Nottingham) the preferred term is "Council House": this was also the case in Bristol until
2012, when the building was renamed "City Hall". In Birmingham, there is a distinction between the
Council House, the seat of local government, and the Town Hall, a concert and meeting venue which pre-
dates it. In the City of Sheffield, the distinction is between the Town Hall, the seat of local government,
and the City Hall, a concert and ballroom venue.
History

Large halls called basilicas were used in Ancient Rome for the administration of justice, as meeting
places, and for trade.

In the Early Medieval period, the hall, a single large open chamber, was the main, and sometimes only
room of the home of a feudal lord. There the lord lived with his family and retinue, ate, slept and
administered rule and justice. Activities in the hall played an essential role in the functioning of the feudal
manor, the administrative unit of society. As manorial dwellings developed into manor houses, castles
and palaces, the hall, or "great hall" as it was often termed, remained an essential unit within the
architectural complex.

In the later Middle Ages or early modern period, many European market towns erected communal market
halls, comprising a covered open space to function as a sheltered marketplace at street level, and one or
more rooms used for public or civic purposes on the upper floor or floors. Such buildings were frequently
the precursors of dedicated town halls.

The modern concept of the town hall developed with the rise of local or regional government. Cities
administered by a group of elected or chosen representatives, rather than by a lord or princely ruler,
required a place for their council to meet. The Cologne City Hall of 1135 is a prominent example for self-
gained municipal autonomy of medieval cities. The Palazzo Pubblico of the Republic of Siena and the
Palazzo Vecchio of the Republic of Florence, both town halls, date from 1297 and 1299 respectively. In
each case the large, fortified building comprises a large meeting hall and numerous administrative
chambers. Both buildings are topped by very tall towers. Both buildings have ancient timepieces by
which the people of the town can regulate their lives. Both buildings have facilities for the storage of
documents and references that pertain to the city's administration. These features: a hall, a tower and a
clock, as well as administrative chambers and an archive or muniment room became the standard features
of town halls across Europe. Brussels Town Hall of the 15th century, with its 96-metre (315 ft) tower, is
one of the grandest examples of the medieval era, serving as a model for 19th-century town halls such as
the Rathaus, Vienna.

During the 19th-century town hall buildings often included "reading rooms" to provide free education to
the public, and it eventually became customary for the town or city council to establish and maintain a
library as part of its service to the community. The grand chamber or meeting place, the "town hall" itself,
became a place for receptions, banquets, balls and public entertainment. Town halls, particularly during
the 19th century, were often equipped with large pipe organs to facilitate public recitals.

In the 20th-century town halls, as venues, have served the public as places for voting, examinations,
vaccinations, relief in times of disaster and the posting lists of war casualties, as well as for the more
usual civil functions, festivities and entertainments. Local councils have tended increasingly to remove
administrative functions into modern offices. Where new premises are designed and constructed to house
local governments, the concepts and functions of administrative council offices and of a civic town hall
become separated.

Language

English-speakers can use the term "city hall" by metonymy to mean "municipal government" or
government in general, as in the axiom "You can't fight city hall"."Town hall" tends to have less formal
connotations (cf. Town meeting).

SPACE REQUIREMENTS/QUANTIFICATIONS
REQUIREMENTS
States the total space requirement for each Department studied and for each of the general, or common-
use, functions. The Total Departmental Space as stated in this section for each Department includes, in
many cases, space such as that occupied by inactive file material which is not necessarily to be located in
a Department's principal working area. Thus, the stated requirements reflect the Departments' total needs
regardless of relative location in the building.

DEPARTMENT
Is used broadly to include any department, agency or other autonomous group within the scope of the
study.

DEPARTMENTAL SPACE
Includes all space used exclusively by each Department. Departmental Space is composed of Office
Space, Auxiliary Space, and Circulation Space.

OFFICE SPACE
Includes private and semi-private offices, and general office areas. It is determined by applying space
occupancy standards to personnel totals.

AUXILIARY SPACE
Includes reception areas, libraries, mail areas, conference rooms to be used solely by the Department
concerned, and other special areas to which space occupancy standards are not applicable. It is
determined by separate study of each function.

CIRCULATION SPACE
Is a statistical percentage (20%) added to the total Office Space and Auxiliary Space required by each
Department? Circulation represents the space required for access to private and semi-private offices, for
cross aisles in general office areas, and for access to General Spaces such as shared conference rooms.

DEFINITIONS
Office Space is divided into Primary and Remote components.

PRIMARY OFFICE SPACE

Is that portion of a Department's Office Space in which the Department carries its principal activity? For
example, if a Department is located on an upper floor of the building but maintains a work station on a
lower floor for the purpose of issuing a license or permit, the space located on an upper floor is
considered to be the Department's Primary Office Space.

REMOTE OFFICE SPACE

Is that portion of a Department's Office Space which is remote from the Department's Primary Office
Space? In the example cited above, the workstation on a lower floor is considered to be the Department's
Remote Office Space. In a similar fashion, Auxiliary Space is divided into Adjacent and Remote
components.

ADJACENT AUXILIARY SPACE

Is that portion of a Department's Auxiliary Space which is located adjacent to the Department's Primary
Office Space?

REMOTE AUXILIARY SPACE

Is that portion of a Department's Auxiliary Space which is remote from the Department's Primary Office
Space? For example, if a Department is located on an upper floor, but maintains an inactive file and
general storage space at a remote location, the inactive file and general storage space is considered to be
Remote Auxiliary Space.

GENERAL SPACE
Includes facilities serving several or all Departments such as Loading Dock and Receiving Area, Shared
Conference Rooms and Public Lobby.

DEPARTMENT OF THE MAYOR

The Mayor is the chief executive officer of the City government and is authorized to direct and coordinate
municipal policy. In addition to his executive functions, the Mayor is a member of many boards and
commissions and may appoint committees or create advisory groups as needed to carry out his functions.
In addition to the requirements of the Mayor and his staff, the summary on the facing page includes the
requirements of several other groups connected with the Mayor's office. They are:

 The City Record

 the Mayor's Civic Improvement Committee
 The Mayor's Committee on Industry and Labor
 The Mayor's Committee on Demolition and Restoration
 Public Celebrations, Conventions and Distinguished Guests

LICENSING DIVISION
The Licensing Division of the Department of the Mayor licenses all Sunday entertainment and issues
various other licenses for public entertainment, such as theatres, cafes, dancing, carnivals, wrestling,
hockey, basketball, ice shows, roller skating and ice skating.

CITY COUNCIL
The City Council is the legislative body of the City of Boston. The Council has the power to appoint
special committees to investigate any matters relating to the property and affairs of the government of the
City and Suffolk County.
The requirements listed in the summary on the facing page include those of the following sections:

 The City Messenger

 The Clerk of Committees
 The City Council

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Administrative Services Department has the responsibility of the compilation of directives, reports,
surveys, and studies in connection with municipal operations. It coordinates the activities of all
departments, boards, and special committees appointed by the Mayor, and organizes an annual
Conference on Municipal Administration.
The requirements listed on the facing page include those of the following divisions:

 Administrative Division
 Personnel Division
 Budget Division
 Purchasing Division

COMPLAINTS DIVISION
The Complaints Division, a division of the Administrative Services Department, investigates and follows
up all complaints received from citizens and taxpayers. When action has been taken by the department or
agency involved, notice is sent to the complainant.

ASSESSING DEPARTMENT
The Assessing Department is responsible for the assembly of data to make possible the assessment of real
and personal property for municipal taxation. The Department is also responsible for the administration of
betterment and unpaid water taxes, motor vehicle excise taxes, poll taxes, and property abatements
appealed from original assessment.
In addition, the Department maintains property inventory, prepares statistical reports for public
information, and is responsible for the accuracy of all valuation accounting. The requirements listed on
the facing page include those of the following organizational units:
  Administration and General Service
 Assessment Section
 Board of Review
 Engineering Motor Vehicle Assessment and Adjustment
 Personal Property Division
 Real Property Division
 Registry Research
 Tabulating Division

AUDITING DEPARTMENT
The Auditing Department audits all receipts, expenditures and dispersements. The Department also
publishes monthly exhibits of all City, County and School expenditures.
The requirements listed on the facing page include those of the following organizational units:

 General Administration
 Accounting Division
 Examining Division
 Payroll Audit Division
 Post Audit Division
 Tabulating Division

BUILDING DEPARTMENT
The Building Department inspects buildings and structures in the City of Boston, and issues permits to
erect, enlarge, alter, substantially repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of any building.
The Board of Appeals as an adjunct of the Building Department accepts and renders decision on all cases
of appeal.
The Board of Examiners as an adjunct of the Building Department acts upon the qualifications of persons
desiring to be registered as construction superintendents in the City of Boston.
The requirements listed on the facing page include those of the following organizational units:

 Administrative Division
 Construction and Safety Division
 Electrical Inspection Division
 Mechanical Inspection Division
 Technical Services Division
In addition, the requirements of the following groups were considered:

 Beacon Hill Architectural Commission

 Board of Appeal
 Board of Examiners
 Board of Gas Fitters
 Committee on Licenses
 Public Safety Commission

CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT

The City Clerk Department performs both legislative and executive duties in compliance with statutes or
ordinances, and keeps records of all meetings of the City Council and other official records of the City of
Boston. The department also records and files various legal documents, records all claims against the city,
and issues various licenses, permits and warrants. The City Clerk is also Clerk of the City Council.
The requirements summarized on the facing page include those of the following Divisions:

 Administrative and Legislative Division

 Recording Division
  License Division

CITY PLANNING DEPARTMENT

The City Planning Department, under the charge of the City Planning Board, analyzes the City's resources
and potentialities, and develops long-range plans for land use, community facilities, schools and parks.
The requirements summarized on the facing page include those of the following organizational units:

 Administration
 Comprehensive Planning
 Land Planning
 Projects
 Research

CIVIL DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

The Civil Defense Department prepares plans for the protection of the people in the event of enemy
attack. The Department also functions to minimize the hazards of natural disaster.
An expansion space of 10% of 1964 requirements, or 174 square feet, has been allocated because it was
felt that, although no specific increase in personnel was anticipated, additional space should be provided
to accommodate a possible increase in services.

ELECTION DEPARTMENT
The Election Department maintains a system of permanent registration of persons eligible to vote in all
elections and is responsible for the conduct of elections and the certification of election results. The
Department examines prospective juror sand is responsible for the certification of jury lists. It is also the
function of this department to make up the voting lists.
The requirements summarized on the facing page include those of the following organizational units:

 Administrative Office
 Registrar's Office
 Jury Division Voting Machine Division
 Ballot Box Division

HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Health Department protects the public health by insuring compliance with public health ordinances
and regulations. It directs programs in health education and public health research, and operates health
centers, laboratories and clinics.
The requirements listed on the facing page are those of the Health Division, and include the requirements
of the following sections:

 Section of General Services

 Section of Medical Services
 Section of Local Health Services
 Section of Environmental Sanitation

REGISTRY DIVISION
The Registry Division records all births, deaths and marriages, and issues birth and death certificates and
marriage licenses. The Division receives and records affidavits of, additions to, and amendments and
corrections to said records, and forwards copies of all records to the office of the Secretary of the
Commonwealth.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES DIVISION

The Weights and Measures Division is charged with the enforcement of the general laws of
Massachusetts relating to weights and measures and hawkers and peddlers. The work is divided into two
classes: mechanical, which consists of the annual testing, sealing or condemning all types of weighing or
measuring devices found in commercial use, and supervisional, consisting of reweighing or remeasuring
commodities put up in advance of sale. The Division also checks deliveries of coal, oil, etc., and
prosecutes violations of the Weights and Measures laws.

LAW DEPARTMENT
Requirements for this Department are stated in two sections:

 Law Department
 Workmen's Compensation and Medical Facility
The Law Department has general charge of the legal work of the City and represents the City and Suffolk
County in all litigation to which either is a party. The Department defends employees of the City and
County against certain actions, prosecutes certain criminal proceedings, does the conveyancing work for
the various municipal departments, performs the legal work incidental to tax title foreclosures, reviews
the form of all municipal contracts and bonds, and furnishes legal opinions to the Mayor, the City
Council, the School Committee and City and County officials on matters relating to the legislature and
Federal and State administrative agencies.
The requirements summarized on the facing page are those of the Law Department and include the
requirements of the following organizational units:

 Administrative Division
 General Services Division
 Litigation Division
 General Trial Division
 Collections Division
 Counselling and Miscellaneous

WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION AND MEDICAL FACILITY

The Workmen's Compensation Service is a division of the Law Department established for the purpose of
filing accident reports for employees injured in the course of their employment, conducting hearings
before the Industrial Accident Board, and providing compensation where required. The Division works
closely with the Medical Facility, which is responsible for the care of all City employees, except
uniformed police, injured in the course of their employment. It is also the responsibility of the Medical
Facility to examine and x-ray new employees. Sufficient space has been allocated to permit the Medical
Facility to function as a first aid service for the entire building.

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

The Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the development, maintenance and operation of
the park system for the citizens of Boston and the hundreds of visitors to the City. In addition to this, the
Department administers abroad program of recreation for all age groups, plants and replaces trees on the
streets and in the parks and playgrounds, and cares for the active and historical cemeteries in the custody
of the City.
The requirements summarized on the facing page include those of the following
Divisions:

 Administrative Services Division

 Engineering Division
 Maintenance Division

PENAL INSTITUTIONS DEPARTMENT

The Penal Institutions Department is responsible for the operation and administration of Suffolk County
House of Correction at Deer Island. The Penal Institutions Commissioner is responsible for the paroling
of inmates from both the House of Correction and the Suffolk County Jail.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

The Public Works Department is responsible for the construction and maintenance of all streets,
sidewalks and sewers; granting of permits to open, occupy, obstruct, and use portions of the streets and
sidewalks; street lighting, both gas and electric; installation, maintenance, and operation of all fixtures
and appliances held by the City for its water supply; cleaning, flushing, and snow removal from streets;
collection and removal of ashes, garbage, and refuse; installation and maintenance of street signs; and
construction, maintenance, and operation of City-owned bridges used as highways.
The summary on the facing page includes the requirements of the following Divisions:

 Central Office Division

 Automotive Division
 Bridge Division
 Highway Division
 Sanitary Division
 Sewer Division
 Survey Division
 Water Division

REAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT

The Real Property Department estimates property values and approves property sales. In addition to this,
the Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of City-owned buildings.
The summary on the facing page includes the requirements of the following divisions:

 Buildings Division
 Property Division

SCHOOL BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT

The School Buildings Department is responsible for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of all public
school buildings, including administrative and storage buildings, The Department also coordinates the
construction of new school buildings.
The requirements summarized on the facing page include those of the following divisions:

 Administrative Division
 Architectural- Engineering Division
 Electrical Division Heating and Ventilating Division
 Inspection Division
 Plumbing Division
 Roofing Division

TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT
The Traffic Department has the authority to adopt, amend, alter or repeal rules and regulations relative to
vehicular street traffic under the control of the City. The Department also maintains the City traffic
control system.
With the exception of an allocation for a new Traffic Control Panel, only those executive and
administrative functions of this Department which now occupy the second floor of the building at 1 12
Southampton Street will be accommodated in the new City Hall.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
The Treasury Department has the care and custody of the current funds of the City, and of all moneys,
properties, and securities placed in its charge by any statute, ordinance, gift, or deposit. The Department
also pays all bills and demands against the City, and has full custody of sinking fund cash and securities.
The Collections Division collects and receives all taxes and other assessments, betterments, rates, dues,
and moneys payable on any account to the City of Boston or the County of Suffolk.
The requirements summarized on the facing page include those of the following divisions:

 Treasury Division
 Collecting Division
 Sinking Fund Division

VETERANS 1 SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Veterans' Services Department provides relief for needy veterans and their eligible dependents through
cash payments from funds specifically provided for this purpose. Such relief consists of providing
assistance in procuring medical care, hospitalization, vocational and educational opportunities,
employment and reemployment, housing, and other related benefits provided by current laws.
The requirements summarized on the facing page include those of the following organizational units:

 Administrative Division
 Benefits Section
 Settlement and Application Section

VETERANS' GRAVES AND REGISTRATION

Veterans' Graves and Registration cares for and maintains veterans' graves in Boston cemeteries, and also
records the military history, deaths and grave locations of veterans of all wars who are buried in the
Boston cemeteries.

MUNICIPAL REFERENCE LIBRARY

During the course of this study, the City decided to develop the present City Council Library into a
Municipal Reference Library designed to serve as a bureau of Information and ready reference for all City
officials and employees. All Departmental and City publications will be kept on file, and any literature
required in the work of the Departments will be made available. It is recommended that a monthly
bulletin be circulated among City employees calling attention to material at their service. This library will
be open to the public for reference use only; books will be loaned only to City officials and employees.
Facilities for study by Civil Service employees for promotion examination or by first entrants into Civil
Service will also be provided. The Library will also regularly acquire various publications from other
municipalities.
The requirements stated are based on a study of a similar facility presently functioning for the City of
New York, and on interviews with personnel of the Boston Library Department.
Sufficient space has been retained in the City Messenger Section of the City Council to store current
Council documents.

PRESS ROOM
It is customary for the City to provide working space in City Hall for reporters representing the seven
major Boston newspapers. Their requirements are summarized on the facing page.

GENERAL SPACES
Unassigned Office
Two unassigned office spaces have been provided for the use of temporary committees, outside
organizations and auditors as required. These spaces, one of which is to becompartmented as illustrated
on the facing page, total 2,808 square feet.
Loading Dock and Receiving Area
A loading dock and receiving area should be provided. It should have direct access to the freight elevator
for service to all Departments, particularly the bacteriological laboratory of the Department of Public
Health . The area should also be accessible from the various centralized facilities. An allocation of 1,500
square feet has been made for the loading dock, which is sufficient to accommodate five panel trucks at
one time. Five hundred square feet has been allocated for the receiving area. The total allocation is 2,400
square feet, which includes Circulation.

Public Lobby
The exact size of the public lobby depends upon the final design of the building. However, the provision
of 5,000 square feet made in this study is considered to beadequate for planning purposes, and includes
concession space.

Central Mail and Communications

For the purposes of this study, mail may be divided into four general categories.

Conference Rooms
Conference requirements, based on the number of persons attending each meeting, the number of
meetings per month, and their duration, were established during the interviews. Conference rooms for the
exclusive use of a Department (to be included in the Departmental Space) were assigned if the total
number of meetings of 1/2-day or less duration exceeded 10 during a month. Maximum utilization of a
conference room was considered to be 35 half-day meetings per month. Therefore, any excess over 35
half-days but less than 70 half-days per month will be accommodated by conference room in the vicinity
of the Department, to be shared with one or more Departments. Departments whose requirement is for
less than 10 half-day meetings per month will also share a conference room with one or more
Departments.

Parking
Parking space for six municipal service vehicles has been provided.

Typewriter Repair
It is recommended that the typewriter repair unit of the Administrative Services Department be located in
a service area of the building to facilitate service by this unit to all Departments.

Auditorium
Present plans call for accommodating the School Committee in City Hall Annex and constructing an
auditorium on the site of the old City Hall. For this reason, an auditorium has not been considered for
inclusion in the new building

LOCAL RELATED LITERATURE

City halls are a curious case — as the seat of local government, they are supposed to embody the goals,
aspirations, and spirit of a city. For many, city halls are a center of activity and of daily life. But they also
host a wide variety of activity, from typical city matters to not exactly above-board business dealings.
Some host regular masses in their lobbies (looking at you Makati City), while others act as centers for
discussion and debate. Whatever the case maybe, city halls usually come to reflect the personality and
character of a city.

But have you ever wondered how well your own city hall stacks up against those from other parts of the
country? The Philippines is an incredibly diverse nation, and with that comes a variety of styles and
approaches in representing each local government.
In our survey of city halls across the country, we talked to Architect Gerry Torres, a professor of
architecture and former Dean of the School of Design and Arts at the De La Salle—College of Saint
Benilde, for his take on city halls, what they represent, and his thoughts on the different seats of power
across the country.

Consider this as City Hall Criticism 101. Class is in session.

“City halls represent the city and its ideals, an abstract aim that must nonetheless take form,” said Torres.
“To a certain extent they need to be carefully designed, dignified if not stately, and well-constructed, so
as to last for more than a generation and beyond the terms of office. But it must also be a highly
functional building as they hold a whole host of activities, including those that happen under the radar.”
What should city halls look like?

As Torres explained, city halls don’t need to adhere to any specific template, although a tradition of
government and civic building means that they usually follow two typical styles: modernist or
neoclassical, or a combination of both.

“It’s hard to shake-off the neoclassical because it has been ingrained. It’s what we grew up with. If done
properly, it is something that is timeless in its appeal. The Parthenon circa 500BC and from where the
neoclassical got most of its forms is still thought of as one of the great buildings on earth, and so there is
something there that is truly enduring.

“But a case can also be made for introducing contemporary elements to a neoclassical design. You cannot
get away from the fact that demands on buildings have changed since the neoclassical style was
introduced in the country — new spaces and functions, utilities like air-conditioning, mechanicals,
computers, security systems and all the modern technology requirements that a city government houses
means that there is also a need for buildings that respond to contemporary needs.”

“For new city halls, architects can still adhere to the neoclassical design while incorporating modern
elements — perhaps with columns made or finished with a different material, more liberal use of
windows or windows designed to look like columns. But no matter the style, the rules of mass, proportion
and scale of the neoclassical still applies, guided by Protagoras’ ‘Man is the measure of all things.’”

Bais City Hall

A beautiful single storey building built in the Mission style with a near symmetrical façade and a graceful
entrance with restrained details. The addition of a second level to the building facade could have been
done better so as to retain the symmetry and the rhythm of the arches. It has however, retained enough of
its original design to still be a remarkable building.

Taal City Hall

A real beauty with good proportions, symmetry and balance. Thankfully it looks preserved although the
ground level seems to have been raised, altering the height of the arcade. Still, the building’s relative
preservation will serve well for their UNESCO World Heritage Site application. It has a restrain to its
design and the use of materials, which can prove that a beautiful building doesn’t have to be expensive.
You can do this building today, and it will still stand out. The statue of Rizal in front adds a nice touch.
Calape City Hall

What a nice surprise! It’s the first time I’ve seen it. This is a building that has to be preserved. Future
generations can learn a lot from its neoclassical applications, from the well-proportioned Doric columns,
the mass of its entablature, the play of simple volumes and the details of its mouldings. There is a
grandeur to its design, which is surprising for a small building. It’s siting is incredible, the way it is set
back, almost like a gem amidst a simple but well-manicured lawn.

(Heritage Conservation Society)

Laoag City Hall

Brick is becoming interesting because it’s a material that is hardly used today. Its use in this building is a
reflection of the Ilocos region, where churches were made of brick because of the absence of adobe, as
taught by the Spanish friars. The arches are gracefully designed, and provides a good contrast with the
columns. The central part with a porte cochere extends effectively to provide protection from rain as with
the wide eaves of the roof. I hope those are doors that can open out into the balconies.

Manila City Hall

Designed by Antonio Toledo and constructed in 1939, this example of a late application of the neoclassic
offers some fine features. The clock tower is a Manila landmark and the entrances and courtyard
balconies feature well executed statues and reliefs. The entrances are classical in the correct way and are
incredibly beautiful. However the way it is maintained today does not show off its good features. It’s a
good example however if somebody wants to do restrained neoclassical. Curious fact: from above, it
looks like a coffin, some say deliberate during its reconstruction to commemorate the death of civilians
during the Liberation of Manila.
Old Iloilo City Hall

The classical proportions of the u-shaped facade, but also the combination of sculpture and architecture,
as seen in the entrance, is amazing. This is how you do an entrance! It is only one story high, but it gives
the impression of a much grander building. It is a lucky building too: not only did it survive the war, but it
was also given to UP Iloilo, which means it has been preserved. An example of the skill of the great
architect Juan Arellano.

Tacloban City Hall

Blocky and solid, with a nice play of volumes, this is reminiscent of Soviet-era buildings of the former
USSR, with a touch of the Bauhaus. The center part is well designed with its receding plane, chamfered
frame (repeated on the ends of the façade), choice of finish and the round columns that provide contrast to
the building’s hard edges. The small framed windows on the side of the entrance are notable as a design
feature. The details are nicely done, and the signage of the building with its chosen font matches well
with the architecture. However the extension on one end has marred the symmetry.

Sariaya Municipal Hall

Philippine art deco at its finest. The stepped façade, with a framed entry and statuary as accents is the
most imposing feature although the volumes of the sides are also well designed with interesting features
like the indented decorative band on top. A beautiful monument of the National Hero mirrors the figures
of the building. I pray that this building be preserved in its original state.
Zamboanga City Hall

An interesting combination of the bahay na bato and the California Mission style, in the spirit of
eclecticism that characterized 19th century architecture. Its symmetry is book ended by two gables and the
steep roof offsets nicely the central tower which is the focal point of the building. The plaza in front with
the Rizal monument offsets the building nicely.

Danao City Hall

The boldness and simplicity in design is commendable. By deftly inserting wall panels within the
windows the elevation brings to mind a row of columns reminiscent of a classical temple façade sans the
pediment. The strongly rendered columns attached to a straightforward lintel is a nod to the trabeated, the
system of construction used by the Greeks. Emphasis could have been given to the entrance, as a focal
point for the façade and for functionality, perhaps a wider overhang and grander stairs. The use of metal
cladding underlines the fact that the classic and the contemporary can meld into a harmonious whole.

Antipolo City Hall

The most prominent part of the building are the turret like ornaments that crown the columns, giving the
impression of a Medieval castle. The elevations are symmetrical with the main entry capped by a
pediment and the concrete balconies adorned with bold horizontal strips of concrete. There is a
combination of prominent elements, and it’s a bold experimentation, but in this case, the building would
have been best served with a single unifying style.
Dapitan City Hall

Looks vaguely French, with a roof shaped like the Menagerie of Versailles. There is a playfulness to it’s
design that recalls a theme park, with its exaggerated balusters, large green tinted windows and decorative
bowls with lamps. The building is situated next to a body of water, which could offer picturesque views
but it seems there is no visual connection offered.

San Fernando City Hall

Designed like a row of townhouses this building boldly employs Baroque-like elements. A lot of attention
was given to the facade, with a merry mix of rounded pediments punctuated by Ionic columns topped by
dentils and underlined by heavy cornices, an ornate fence decorating the front and a stylized pediment
capping the façade. San Fernando is a city familiar with neoclassical and baroque designs as they often
use them in their export furniture so in a way this is a reflection of the city’s culture and industry. An
increase in height would have resulted in better scale and proportion.

Tagum City Hall

Post-modernist in approach and notable for its design bravura, this city hall combines a multiplicity of
disc-like geometries, prominent volumes, and bold, even surprising elements like the suspension cable
system that seems to hold up the roof. A little over-designed perhaps but may be aspirational, for the
ambitions and goals of the city. See the actual building here.
Koronadal City Hall

With its cream colored walls, grids of windows and large expanses of glass this city hall has a Richard
Meier look to it. I like the symmetry, which is a neoclassical characteristic and the play of volumes,
which is modernist. This is what I mean when the neoclassical style can be implemented in a
contemporary way or combined with the modern. The scale of the windows is good, which means lots of
natural light although this may also mean higher energy consumption. Perhaps the weakest point is the
central part of the building, which is somewhat featureless and I am curious about the stairs and where
they lead to, unless there are plans to develop the land in front. Some pictures of the font used for the
name of the building shows it in sans serif, some are with serif. The sans serif works better.

Escalante City Hall

An example of the neoclassical mixed with the modern with a slight nod to art deco. The vertical
windows turn the walls into vertical planes reminiscent of columns with a play of receding and protruding
elements that is art deco-like. I agree with the attempt to create a central focus by rounding the walls of
the entrance, in contrast to the sides — a play on geometry and volumes. There is a bold attempt at
creating verticality that is consistent throughout. Ideally the canopy can be extended further to perform its
function as protection from the elements.

Lucena City Hall

Modest in size, it has a prominent style, modernist/brutalist and uses concrete extensively which reminds
me of 1970s Leandro Locsin. I have a problem with the central part, because compared to the rest of the
building this was not given equal attention. The building may need extensive restoration to bring out its
unique features like the sculptural columns, heavy canopy and truncated corners. This could be a good
example of Filipino style brutalist architecture and I’m glad the subsequent administrations have not
tampered with the design.

Tacurong City Hall

This building is very straightforward. You can clearly see the two floors, which is a contrast to the row of
vertical elements. The projection of the entrance canopy is good and serves its function well. The fountain
with the map in front works, it just needs a little landscaping. The slight curve of the facade gives it grace,
and mirrors the elements of the fountain.

Cotabato City Hall

The most prominent part of the facade is the row of pointed arches, Islamic in style and reflective of the
culture of the place. But I don’t agree with the neoclassical elements in the middle, such as the clumsy
Ionic columns and pediment, after the long row of pointed arches. They should have stuck to the Islamic
style all throughout. The roof is a nod to the old city hall, which is a nice touch.

New Iloilo City Hall

A good application of neoclassical elements in a high rise, with its use of arches, the pediment central
portion, a muted palette and the symmetry of the facade. A bolder play of the volumes would have been
interesting, if not to make it less office-like. There is a beautiful plaza in front, an interesting adjacency to
consider for its design.
Bacolod City Hall

Undoubtedly neoclassical in form this building makes a grand gesture with its imposing façade set off an
expansive plaza with a substantial water feature. It is a good interpretation of neoclassical architecture as
designed and constructed today. However it adheres much to the design of the provincial capital, one of
the most beautiful in the country and a masterpiece of the neoclassical by Juan Arellano, to the point of
mimicry. Some landscaping and vegetation would work well to ‘soften’ the hard edges of the building
and provide relief from the sun and heat for commuters.

 Quezon City Hall

The mural is its most arresting feature, from a time when sculpture was seen as integral to architecture.
The execution lacks grace but nonetheless it is an interesting focal point for the façade. We don’t see the
boldness of concrete being used like this anymore, where there is an exploration its plasticity. If only for
this aspect, it makes the building noteworthy, concrete still being the most common building material in
the Philippines and worth are experimentation. The rest of the city hall looks purely functional.

PHOTODOCUMENTARY

SAMPLE SDP & LANDSAPE ELEMENTS

SAMPLE FLOOR PLANS
SAMPLE DESIGNS OF CITY HALL
REFERENCES:

[i] Foster, N. Rebuilding the Reichstag. Overlook Press, 200.

[1] Norton.M, London City Hall. London, England, Foster and partner Architects Limited.

http://www.architecture.uwaterloo.ca/faculty_projects/terri/366essaysW03/LondonCityHall_Norton.pdf

[2] Norton.M, London City Hall. London, England, Foster and partner Architects Limited.

http://www.architecture.uwaterloo.ca/faculty_projects/terri/366essaysW03/LondonCityHall_Norton.pdf

Norton.M, London City Hall. London, England, Foster and partner Architects Limited.

http://www.architecture.uwaterloo.ca/faculty_projects/terri/366essaysW03/LondonCityHall_Norton.pdf

[i] Merkel, Jayne “Along the Thames, Foster and Partners puts a new twist on government and gives
green a different shpe with the highly accessible London City Hall” Architectual Record, vol.191, no.2
(Feb 2003)
[ii] Merkel, Jayne “Along the Thames, Foster and Partners puts a new twist on government and gives
green a different shpe with the highly accessible London City Hall” Architectual Record, vol.191, no.2
(Feb 2003)

www.laoagcity.gov.ph

www.danaocity.gov.ph
tagumcity.gov.ph
cityofsanfernando.gov.ph
cotabatocity.net.ph
iloilo.myguide.ph