Since the initial testing in June, the new LED lights at the CN Tower have drawn much criticism, with claims that the new flashy look takes away from the tower’s ‘class and elegance.’ Such an argument is incongruous; the CN Tower is a fairly absurd building to begin with. If anything, the lights compliment its playful and entertaining qualities of the tower. They add to the spectacle, making it more than just a few flashing tower beacons at night.
Who is to say that lighting up the tower lacks class? Some of the world’s most recognizable buildings are lit up at nights, such as the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building, and even the Ancient Pyramids. Is the CN Tower too extraordinary to be illuminated? Hardly. Rather the CN Tower has joined the ranks of such national landmarks and will begin to celebrate and represent life within the city. The lights give the tower a soul and make it a living part of Toronto, changing colors based on cultural events and civic holidays.
Generally speaking, the ambiance of Toronto and other major cities too often revolves around 5 shades: black, gray, white, beige & brown. So it is encouraging to finally have some life added to the skyline, even if its only at night. With the bright LED technology, the potentially innumerable varieties of colours and moods will be sure to spice up the city and feed its reputation. Although the particular choice of colours and intensities on any given day will play a major role in the final appeal of the lights, with some careful consideration, a tasteful selection shouldn’t prove too difficult.
Much like they did when the tower was first built, Torontonians should embrace this opportunity to enhance the character of their city. The CN Tower is a tourist attraction and it’s finally being treated like one; and not at the cost of its elegance, but rather the fulfillment of its purpose.
