The Castle (2012)
8 min | B&W | HD | 1.78:1 | Stereo
'The Castle' provides a close-up look at Toronto's iconic City Hall. Designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell and completed in 1965, it has since become a modernist architectural landmark - garnering praise and engendering controversy for nearly five decades. The camera probes the structure's convoluted facade, inviting the viewer to speculate whether the building's form indeed follows its function - to quote Louis Sullivan's famous dictum.
In the mid-20th century, modernist principles strongly influenced urban planning and led to large-scale urban renewal projects. Some of these projects, particularly those associated with the Brutalist style, involved the demolition of historic buildings and the construction of large, imposing concrete structures that were often perceived as alien intrusions into the existing built environment. This approach often resulted in the loss of historical fabric and displacement of established communities, leading to public outcry and opposition.
As one of the most prominent and recognizable modernist structures in Toronto, the City Hall building serves as a useful focal point for engaging with the diverse issues surrounding urban development. The overarching question remains: how do we build cities that are thriving hubs of creativity and innovation while catering to the needs and wellbeing of all their citizens?
In the mid-20th century, modernist principles strongly influenced urban planning and led to large-scale urban renewal projects. Some of these projects, particularly those associated with the Brutalist style, involved the demolition of historic buildings and the construction of large, imposing concrete structures that were often perceived as alien intrusions into the existing built environment. This approach often resulted in the loss of historical fabric and displacement of established communities, leading to public outcry and opposition.
As one of the most prominent and recognizable modernist structures in Toronto, the City Hall building serves as a useful focal point for engaging with the diverse issues surrounding urban development. The overarching question remains: how do we build cities that are thriving hubs of creativity and innovation while catering to the needs and wellbeing of all their citizens?