Boston City Hall is considered one of the ugliest buildings in America by the general public, but also won several awards from architectural groups for its designs. How did such a deep rift appear between professional and lay public opinion?

by George4Mayor86
Cedric_Hampton

Boston City Hall is considered a monument of the Brutalist movement in architecture. I have written about the origin, development, and reception of Brutalism here.

Modern buildings rarely receive awards or accolades--especially from architectural organizations and publications-- based primarily upon aesthetic considerations like beauty, so the perception of a conflict between public and professional opinion is false.