Toronto's Concrete City Hall, and its Concrete Furniture

Toronto's City Hall is a massive concrete structure. Oddly, so was all its furniture, which was included with the original design. 99% Invisible looks at this unconventional design choice, and the legacy of that furniture.

1 minute read

March 5, 2011, 11:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


When it opened in 1965, concrete was in style. But the furniture wasn't exactly embraced.

"The striking concrete design was carried throughout the building and was even incorporated into the office furniture. Desks, coffee tables, cabinets- they all had concrete legs- and nearly everyone hated it. A lot.

The public was angry. Controversy ensued. Someone even resigned.

Reporter Sean Cole met a few people, including architect Masha Kelmans, who think the naysayers were wrong."

Friday, February 25, 2011 in 99% Invisible

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