Saturday, June 24, 2017

Lightness

Have a look at my writer's blog today, as my post about Glowfair at night is up.

Some of you may recognize this building from previous Doors Open years. This is the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. It serves as headquarters of the Canadian operations for the Aga Khan's development network, as well as a residence for the Aga Khan when he's here, most recently to open up the Global Centre for Pluralism, which I showed yesterday. It is a recent building, designed by Fumihiko Maki, showcasing the philanthropic and humanitarian work of the organization around the world.


This large space, with the hanging metal screens, greets the visitor first. Displays were set up to explain the work the Aga Khan's organization does around the world, with its particular emphasis on education and health.


Beyond was this lovely and peaceful garden, feeling very light on this day.


This is the only work of art in the building, a sculpture by the Canadian First Nations artist Bill Reid.


This building, with its mix of steel, glass, light, and shadow, is a visual delight for the photographer.

31 comments:

  1. I remember this stunning building! What wonderful shots. I especially love your perspective shots. They're beautiful.

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  2. Wonderful photos. So many to like but the second to last is a favorite.

    cheers, parsnip and thehamish

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  3. Remarkable architecture! I enjoyed your photos William.

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  4. Pretty building, I like the archtecture and the sculpture by Bill Reid.

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  5. ...what great architecture.

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  6. @Kay: thank you!

    @Parsnip: thanks!

    @Marleen: it is quite a building.

    @Marianne: I do too.

    @Tom: indeed.

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  7. Hello, it is a beautiful building. I like the sculpture too. Happy weekend to you!

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  8. Incredible! You have so many outstanding architecturally exciting structures! And your photos allowed us to see the inner beauty of the place!

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  9. That building is quite spectacular! Such a wonderful place to photograph.

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  10. Opulent is the word that comes to mind. In the west we never hear of this organization and its work.

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  11. That one garden is most unusual with it' s hedge rows.

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  12. Love the design of the hanging metal screens and the garden. Have a beautiful weekend!

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  13. @Eileen: thank you.

    @Lowell: this one is quite modern, but I really like it.

    @Sharon: it certainly is.

    @Red: a lot of the network's efforts are in third world countries, of course, but the Aga Khan himself is quite well connected. It's a quasi-diplomatic building too.

    @Janey: it is indeed.

    @Nancy: thank you!

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  14. neat details ... the circles. wait those are hexagons? so much light. nice! ( ;

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  15. What an amazing building, and the garden is lovely!

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  16. Intriguing. I must say I have no idea what the Aga Khan is or does...

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  17. What an amazing space William. Streamlined, clean and functional but at the same time calm and rather beautiful!

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  18. Wonderful, William! Thanks for showing it!

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  19. Interesting building and great shots. Have a good weekend, William.

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  20. @Beth: they look like hexagons to me.

    @Linda: thank you!

    @Mike: he does a lot in the world, but he's basically the equivalent of the Pope to one of the branches of Islam, a moderate one.

    @Grace: it's so different from the other buildings along Sussex Drive, but it doesn't clash.

    @RedPat: you're welcome.

    @Klara: thanks!

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  21. A wonderful series William. Thanks for sharing.

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  22. Love the perspective in that hallway shot.

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  23. I like the inside grass but not the chain mail.

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  24. Oh, this is really nice! Good work, William!

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  25. It is almost too stark for my tastes.

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  26. Stunning building, interesting garden!

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  27. Nice shots of the architecture!

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  28. Lovely photographs William, a lot of different 'texture' through the building too.
    I especially enjoyed the sculpture by the Canadian First Nations artist Bill Reid.

    All the best Jan

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  29. I remember this modern building, and I still love it.
    The photo of that long hall or corridor is great, William.

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  30. I often wonder about opening up my home to strangers like this, but then, I guess people like this are used to such. Lavish entertaining and such.

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  31. @Bill: you're welcome!

    @Revrunner: me too.

    @Eve: I can see it having that effect.

    @Norma: thank you!

    @Mari: I can see that.

    @Furry Gnome: it's quite different from the more conventional architecture nearby, but it doesn't clash.

    @Linda: thank you!

    @Jan: I did too.

    @Jan: it's quite a structure.

    @Jennifer: it's quite a place to visit.

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