Designed by the Toronto firm of Darling & Pearson, the University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall opened in 1907 and has since become a city landmark and one of the architects’ most beloved achievements. The property is listed on the City of Toronto’s inventory of heritage properties. In addition to hosting graduation ceremonies, the large circular hall with radiating galleries and distinctive shallow dome remains in use throughout the year as a lecture hall for university courses. While the design of the Hall is said to be based on that of the Sorbonne Theatre in Paris, the origins of the rotunda form with its oculus can be traced to the Pantheon in Rome.

In the centennial year of the Hall, ERA was retained by the University to prepare designs for updating the public front-of-house areas in both appearance and function. This work included the design of new benches and radiator covers, and the repair and refurbishment of moulding and terrazzo floors.

MORE: “A Century at Convocation Hall” in UofT Magazine