Speaking Frankly about the AGO

And I know its totally of topic for this blog but I've been waiting for the realisation of Frank Gehry's vision ever since my son and I went to the preliminary exhibition of models and drawings, plans and sketches. I've yet to visit the building which is open now to the public but I have been reading the reports and reviews and looking at loads of photo blogs on it...
However one thing has yet to be commented on... and its the staircase on the back wall.  The staircase which protrudes from the AGO and wraps itself back in looks like an odd addition, something last minute tacked on...but viewed from a distance its real purpose becomes obvious. It is there not to enhance the art gallery but the Grange which sits below it. The staircase acts as a plume of smoke spiralling up from the building...its sits over one of its chimneys.. and its creates the feeling of life in the old house...something which Gehry who grew up in the area would have witnessed.