This is the first book to examine the development of the town hall during the twentieth century and the way in which these civic buildings have responded to the dramatic political, social and architectural changes which took place during the period. Following an overview of the history of the town hall as a building type, it examines the key themes, variations and lessons which emerged during the twentieth century. This is followed by 20 case studies from around the world which include plans, sections and full-colour illustrations. Each of the case studies examines the town hall's procurement, the selection of its architect and the building design, and critically analyses its success and contribution to the type’s development. The case studies include:Copenhagen Town Hall, Denmark, Martin NyropStockholm City Hall, Sweden, Ragnar OstbergHilversum Town Hall, the Netherlands, Willem M. DudokWalthamstow Town Hall, Britain, Philip Dalton HepworthOslo Town Hall, Norway, Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus PoulssonCasa del Fascio, Como, Italy, Guiseppe TerragniAarhus Town Hall, Denmark, Arne Jacobsen with Eric MollerSaynatsalo Town Hall, Finland, Alvar AaltoKurashiki City Hall, Japan, Kenzo TangeToronto City Hall, Canada, Viljo RevellBoston City Hall, USA, Kallmann, McKinnell and KnowlesDallas City Hall, USA, IM PeiMississauga City Hall, Canada, Ed Jones and Michael KirklandBorgoricco Town Hall, Italy, Aldo RossiReykjavik City Hall, Iceland, Studio GrandaValdelaguna Town Hall, Spain, Victor Lopez Cotelo and Carlos Puente FernandezThe Hague City Hall, the Netherlands, Richard MeierIragna Town Hall, Switzerland, Raffaele CavadiniMurcia City Hall, Spain, Jose Rafael MoneoLondon City Hall, UK, Norman Foster