RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FORMATION OF THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE FIRST TOWN HALLS

Abstract

The article considers the history of the origin and formation of the town hall architecture as the first building of local governments. Over the past century, most town hall buildings have lost their historical significance. This process is due to the improvement of local government in Europe. In addition, the reason for this was the development of autonomy of city government and civil liberties. This process was also influenced by the democratization of the life management procedures of the urban community. From the beginning of its existence, the town hall was formed as the main public space of the city. This space was a place of judicial and public gatherings; the town hall was a centre of trade, as well as a core of theatrical and cultural events. Some town halls had a system of spaces of social interaction, such as closed halls, open and semi-open public rooms. The tendency of concentration of administrative institutions and service enterprises developed. This development took place through the integration of functional, spatial, organizational and technological structures into a single public-administrative complex. In modern town hall buildings, such components as assembly halls, session halls, exhibition halls, museum premises, offices of the City government and offices of fractions are kept until now.