Founded in 1876 by a group of dedicated artists, Ontario College of Art & Design University or as it is more commonly known, OCAD, has since evolved into a world-renowned school, with nearly 5,000 students attending its four faculties.

From a single building at 14 King Street West and a measly 14 students during the first year, the university grew piecemeal to its current mammoth size, expanding its activity with every passing year. As of today, OCAD campus is Scattered throughout multiple buildings in downtown Toronto, with the primary grouping located in the Grange Park area, along McCaul Street.

It is here where one can find OCAD’s main building. Opened in 1921, the edifice underwent a series of extensions and modifications over the years, including A. J. Casson Wing in 1957, Nora E. Vaughan Auditorium in 1963 and a spacious atrium in 1967. Nonetheless, it is the building’s latest addition that truly stands out as the centerpiece of the spread-out campus.

When Will Alsop, a British architect, arrived to Toronto in 2000 to discuss the school’s plans for expansion, he faced two obstacles – nearby residents opposed any construction beyond the confines of the main building while students advocated for a new public space. To overcome this very challenge, Alsop designed a rectangular structure with a pixelated façade hovering a few meters above the existing building. Upon its completion in 2004, it aptly earned the moniker “the Tabletop” for its odd shape.

Home to the Sharp Center for Design, the new building is supported by a large cantilever and a series of 12 colorfully-painted legs. Nicknamed “a weapon of mass-construction” by one of Alsop’s office members, the massive stilts are placed diagonally, giving onlookers the impression as if the structure is rickety.

Alsop’s flying box also boasts a shaded garden dubbed by students as Butterfield Park. Lying under the building’s protruding half, this verdant corner is seamlessly linked to the nearby Grange Park, a popular getaway among locals.

Will Alsop passed away in 2018 and while he may no longer be with us, his architectural legacy is stronger than ever as evident by the icon-status that Toronto’s Tabletop has been since bestowed with.