Rooftopping Toronto: Not So Long AGO

Since the day I saw the planned architectural renovations to the Art Gallery of Ontario in a newspaper several years back, I knew that I would finally have a chance to answer the aesthetic dilemma that had been haunting me since the erection of the adjacent Tabletop building. And so, one quiet night well into the later phase of construction, we made our silent ascent.

The tabletop building itself has always bothered me for the following reason: yes, there are a plethora opinions afoot regarding the design and usefulness of the structure itself, but for me, as with any new building, the more important question is how it fits into the architectural environment surrounding it.

Any "world class" city has an abundance of bizarre and shocking buildings, but if we take a look at, say, Berlin, each structure fits into a general plan which imbues not only the individual building, but the city as a whole with character.

Finally, I got to meet the building on a par - quietly waiting for security to do their southern rounds so that I might step up to the high railing and snap a few pictures from an upper roof. I got to look out and into the windows of the source of my aesthetic conundrum. And after so much effort, evasion and excitement, my conclusion? I am in a state of aporia - I still find myself at a loss.

Here is a gallery of some more snaps from that spectacular roof: