Friday, July 10, 2015

Mixing Together The Shadow And Light

One of my other stops during Doors Open weekend was the Delegation for the Ismaili Imamat. This is the headquarters for the Aga Khan Foundation's Canadian branch, designed by architect Fumihiko Maki. The foundation was established by the spiritual leader of the Ismaili branch of Islam, and works on humanitarian issues around the world with an emphasis on education. This is a relatively new building, having been opened in 2008.


The concept of the design lets in a lot of light into the central atrium particularly, creating fascinating shadow effects with the screens hanging around this area. These screens incorporate geometric designs and while they do bear weight, seem weightless. I have more from this place over the next two days.

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36 comments:

  1. from MadridJuly 10, 2015 at 2:25 AM

    Yes, there seems to be clear.

    Tomás.

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  2. Gemma WisemanJuly 10, 2015 at 2:43 AM

    The geometrics seem to enhance an enchanting play of light inside.

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  3. VPJuly 10, 2015 at 5:55 AM

    A very good mix. It is much better seen from the inside, but probably this was part of the idea for this fine building.

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  4. Jane and ChrisJuly 10, 2015 at 6:12 AM

    WOW! Look at the shadow patterns!
    Jane x

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  5. biebkriebelsJuly 10, 2015 at 6:54 AM

    At least this headquarters must have cost a fortune!

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  6. TamagoJuly 10, 2015 at 7:10 AM

    Very nice looking building! Shadow effects are quite fascinating indeed!

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  7. EG CameraGirlJuly 10, 2015 at 8:27 AM

    I very much like the light and shadows in the interior.

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  8. GreensboroDailyPhotoJuly 10, 2015 at 8:39 AM

    If I were a professional photographer in Ottawa, I think I'd use this building as a backdrop for portrait shoots. The lighting is amazing!

    Janis
    GDP

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  9. Gill - That British WomanJuly 10, 2015 at 8:50 AM

    those screens remind me of Morocco and the markets there. Only been to Tunisia but it also reminds me of the screens we saw there as well.

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  10. TexWisGirlJuly 10, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    pretty neat features!

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  11. Jan K. alias AfanjaJuly 10, 2015 at 9:22 AM

    Great shots of a wonderful building. I like the inside as well as the outside.
    I'm looking forward to see more of this beauty.

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  12. orvokkiJuly 10, 2015 at 9:33 AM

    Looks very nice inside. The top photo is beautiful.
    Hugs

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  13. Linda KayJuly 10, 2015 at 10:04 AM

    What a great building to photograph! Have a good day.

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  14. NormaJuly 10, 2015 at 10:06 AM

    I've always liked designs that allow a lot of sunlight in.

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  15. SharonJuly 10, 2015 at 10:07 AM

    Beautiful place. It reminds me of the Institut du mode arabe in Paris. They also have beautiful screens inside the glass walls of the building.

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  16. RedJuly 10, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    Awesome building and good shots to explain what you described.

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  17. William KendallJuly 10, 2015 at 10:18 AM

    @Tomas: indeed.

    @Gemma: it really does.

    @VP: yes, I was astonished when I walked in the entrance.

    @Jane and Chris: they were mesmerizing!

    @Marianne: I imagine so!

    @Tamago: they certainly are.

    @EG: me too.

    @Janis: I was quite pleased to have come over here for Doors Open.

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  18. William KendallJuly 10, 2015 at 10:20 AM

    @Gill: they did remind me of photos I've seen from those parts of the world.

    @Tex: I certainly thought so!

    @Jan: and quite a beauty it is.

    @Orvokki: thank you!

    @Linda: yes, it's very different from what one might usually walk into. The architect worked wonders with it.

    @Norma: and this lets in so much light.

    @Sharon: a common influence, then.

    @Red: thank you!

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  19. CherylJuly 10, 2015 at 10:34 AM

    The outside looks like a museum of modern art!

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  20. RedPatJuly 10, 2015 at 11:28 AM

    It looks fabulous! The Aga Khan Museum has recently opened here and it too looks like a masterpiece in all the pics I have seen but I haven't gotten out to see it yet. Looking forward to more pics from your visit!

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  21. cieldequimperJuly 10, 2015 at 1:43 PM

    Blush, I had never heard of the foundation. That's rather nice modern architecture and I really like the last shot!

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  22. MarleenJuly 10, 2015 at 1:50 PM

    Great shadows!

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  23. LindaJuly 10, 2015 at 4:10 PM

    Nice lighting!

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  24. William KendallJuly 10, 2015 at 5:39 PM

    @Cheryl: the whole place seems to be a work of art to me!

    @RedPat: I've heard great things about it. I'd like to visit.

    @Ciel: thank you!

    @Marleen: thanks!

    @Linda: definitely!

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  25. DeniseinVAJuly 10, 2015 at 5:40 PM

    Great title for these very interesting photos.

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  26. Elizabeth EdwardsJuly 10, 2015 at 6:32 PM

    wonder what it sounds like in there when it is raining or hailing? i bet it is gorgeous sight. so cool. neat architecture. ( :

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  27. Mari CollierJuly 10, 2015 at 7:51 PM

    A little stark for my tastes.

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  28. CloudiaJuly 10, 2015 at 9:43 PM

    Islamic Modern Architecture! Well shown William!


    ALOHA
    ComfortSpiral

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  29. Janey and Co.July 10, 2015 at 11:07 PM

    I like the amount of light!

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  30. The Happy WhiskJuly 11, 2015 at 12:44 AM

    If I were a kid, I would make a game of walking and jumping about that fun maze. What neat pictures.

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  31. GunnJuly 11, 2015 at 9:37 AM

    I like the light and shadows inside.

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  32. William KendallJuly 11, 2015 at 10:51 AM

    @Denise: thanks!

    @Beth: that's a question that hadn't occurred to me.

    @Mari: it certainly is different.

    @Cloudia: thank you!

    @Janey: it certainly struck me walking in there.

    @Whisk: thanks!

    @Gunn: me too.

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  33. LowellJuly 11, 2015 at 4:07 PM

    A delightful architectural structure and quite Middle East peaceful. I especially like that 2nd shot with the people, light and shadows.

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  34. KayJuly 11, 2015 at 9:45 PM

    Stunning architecture! Very nice!

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