Convocation Hall (University of Toronto) - Architecture

Architecture

Convocation Hall is a structure with great historical and architectural significance. It was built during a time of great technological, industrial and cultural change. It was also a time of great architectural change. Architect Frank Darling was influenced by the neoclassical revival in architecture from the mid-18th century and the Greek revival of the 19th century. The design of Convocation Hall was to be that of a classical revival building, with historic neoclassical features and elements incorporated into the modern structure of the hall. In the case of Convocation Hall these elements are from both the Greek and Roman periods and include columns, the building's entablature, and its domed roof. There is an emphasis on principles of proportion, symmetry, geometry and uniformity of parts. The Hall's design reflects a formal character which reflects strength and inspires pride. It incorporates a repeating pattern of circular forms to convey messages of centrality and inclusiveness. The purpose of these circular forms was to make Convocation Hall both the metaphorical and physical centre of the expanding University.

The two most dominant and accentuated features of Convocation Hall are its exterior columns and the large domed roof. The columns are a cross between Doric and Ionic columns, as they consist of features typically seen on each type. There is a Doric style fluted shaft to the column, which is very chubby in form with a very large base. At the top of the column lies a typically Ionic capital. The large domed roof is made of copper, which has oxidized into the classic green frequently seen in historic Canadian buildings. At the centre of this domed roof is a large glass oculus, which allows in great amounts of natural lighting into the centre of the large hall beneath. Supporting this domed roof are strong structural beams which interiorly form into arches between the balcony seating on the third floor of the Hall. Materials used in the construction include glazed yellow and grey stock brick, stone block, steel, concrete, copper, glass, wood, terrazzo, and plaster.

With a seating capacity of 1,731, Convocation Hall comprises four stories, including two main seating floors. Attached in the rear of Convocation Hall are an examination hall that formerly served as exhibition space, and Simcoe Hall, which houses the university’s executive offices.