It was both for me. I recall looking longingly at the Tower when I was a spotter there in the late 50s and early 60s, but never ever believed that I would work there. When I did, it was like a dream come true! I loved the layout of the Tower and Approach rooms, especially when Approach was on the 6th floor. It just seemed a magical place to be. Once I trained and got to know everyone, they too became precious and I recall them all fondly now, some 20+ years after I left there.
I detest the look of the new tower so much that I have never tried to visit it, (assuming they would have even me that is!). It has no appeal to me at all but I hope that those employed there have as much fun as I and my ex-colleagues did in the old tower..