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.

36 comments:

  1. Yes, there seems to be clear.

    Tomás.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  4. WOW! Look at the shadow patterns!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  5. At least this headquarters must have cost a fortune!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very nice looking building! Shadow effects are quite fascinating indeed!

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

    ReplyDelete
  8. 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

    ReplyDelete
  9. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  10. 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.

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Awesome building and good shots to explain what you described.

    ReplyDelete
  16. @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.

    ReplyDelete
  17. @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!

    ReplyDelete
  18. The outside looks like a museum of modern art!

    ReplyDelete
  19. 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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  21. @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!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great title for these very interesting photos.

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. Islamic Modern Architecture! Well shown William!


    ALOHA
    ComfortSpiral

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

    ReplyDelete
  26. I like the light and shadows inside.

    ReplyDelete
  27. @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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  29. Stunning architecture! Very nice!

    ReplyDelete