Dallas City Hall
I. M. Pei & Partners; Harper & Kemp · Dallas, United States · 1978
I. M. Pei's Dallas City Hall projects its upper floors over a broad civic plaza, giving municipal government an unmistakable urban presence. Completed in 1978, the concrete building uses its inclined section to express a changing distribution of space within. The large forecourt allows the façade to be read as a whole while accommodating public gathering. Study the relationship between the overhang, columns and ground plane to see how a substantial institutional programme is given both shade and a ceremonial approach. Visiting: The civic plaza is free. Access to government interiors is subject to opening hours and security.