With its columns and domed roof, Convocation Hall is among the most recognizable landmarks on the University of Toronto's St. George campus.
The nearly 120-year-old building - which underwent extensive renovations to renew its unique skylight, or oculus, in 2020 - serves as a space for both lectures and convocation ceremonies, with U of T's spring ceremonies currently underway.
Built in 1907, the hall's unique heritage features require careful craftsmanship and ongoing maintenance. This is performed by U of T Facilities & Services departments, including a team of carpenters who have a special insight into, and a deep appreciation for, the construction and history of the hall.
Here is their take on a few of Con Hall's features and quirks:
Different seat sizes
Convocation Hall's unique curved shape affects all the building's interior spaces, including its more than 1,500 seats. There are five different shapes and sizes of seats throughout the building, with the widest seats in the middle of the auditorium and the others curving along rows that follow the building's circular form.
They are all built with locally sourced wood, mostly maple, and the seat cushions were originally stuffed with horsehair.
A place for your hat
Did you know that underneath each of the original seats in Convocation Hall is a unique wire rack? In 1907, they were designed as storage space for attendees' top hats.
Lots of upkeep
It isn't only chair maintenance that keeps the carpenters hard at work in the run-up to convocation. The original heavy, leather-covered hook-and-eye doors must be maintained, the benches must be sanded and the door and window frames all require careful work.
In previous decades, it was necessary to bring almost everything in need of repair to the shop, where heavy, permanently installed equipment is housed. Now, thanks to the advent of battery-powered tools, the carpentry team is much more agile and can make many of their repairs on-site, working on as many as 100 seats in 48 hours.
Hidden spaces above and below
High above the seating area in Convocation Hall is a catwalk intended exclusively for maintenance and service purposes. Also tucked out of view is the building's basement, which follows the same 360-degree hallway structure as the first floor. Its main users are staff and ushers.
The basement also houses a custom-built racking system for extra seating, including the formal ceremonial chairs, to keep them off the floor and out of harm's way.
