Filterama Challenge # 5 - Lahti Town Hall

With this shot of the Lahti Town Hall I have applied the Glow and Warmify filters. They do not make huge changes to the otherwise rather dull and brown exterior to this wonderful City Hall.

Last year in Lahti I started a series of blips on local architecture and sculptures. This very important public building was next on my hit list. A perfect sunny day and a nice walk to the high side of the city, and there it was.

The building is kept secure at all times, not really open to the public. I rang the bell and asked if I could take a few photos inside as well as in the courtyard. This was agreed on and it was a truly great experience.

This is really architect Eliel Saarinen's Lahti Town Hall, as he was the brilliant designer of the building. Lahti Town Hall was designed by him in 1911, and stands in a dominant position on Radiomäki hill. The building was completed in 1912 and represents the more moderate and abstract style of late Art Nouveaux.

The Town Hall was originally used by the municipal administration, the fire department, the police department and the town jail.

In 1934 an annex was built, designed by the City architect, Kaarlo Könönen. The repair of war damage and other alterations and renovations has spoiled the original fine interiors, which were late Art Nouveau in style.

Finer detail.

PS. Saarinen died July 1, 1950 (aged 76) at his home in Bloomfield Hills, near Detroit, Michigan. Paladian and I visited Saarinen's house several years ago and it is now a museum, setup exactly as he left it. No photos were allowed inside, and at that time it was open for private tours only. Maybe one of the Michigan blippers can update me on whether the house is now more accessible.

If you have time, my 2012 Lahti and Finland blips start here.
My 2013 Finland blips start here.