The Courtyard

 More today from inside the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. The building is so different, but a work of art in and of itself.

This signage shows the exterior garden courtyard in winter conditions.

And here we have it as seen this time of year. A peaceful place, with trees and hedges, one that has a calming effect.

I proceeded back in to take some more shots.

One final shot. Tomorrow we go to a place that is older, very different, and feels oppressive inside.

Philanthropic

 My first stop on the second day of Doors Open was at the far end of Lowertown, nestled between the roadway leading onto the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge on the one side, and the Saudi Arabian embassy on the other. This is the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. It is a de facto embassy, and it is the home of the Canadian headquarters of the Aga Khan Foundation. Designed by Fumihiko Maki and opened in 2008, it is unlike any other building I've seen- which makes it work so well.

The main hall inside is surrounded by sheets of metal with a distinctive pattern, allowing the visitor to pass beneath. The glass ceiling is screened, letting in light, but keeping out the heat of summer. Displays inside look at the work of the Aga Khan Foundation across the world.

The design is a wonder, and tremendously appealing. A two story structure, with work space, reception space, and even a residence upstairs, the building was opened by the previous Aga Khan, who passed away this year. His son has succeeded him.

The Aga Khan Development Network works with governments and agencies around the world in philanthropic work, specializing in education, health, and economic development. Displays go into detail.

Colours Wherever You May Look

 Here we have the front courtyard of the Global Centre For Pluralism, with tulips out in front of the sign. The building was the former home of the Canadian War Museum, which outgrew this location and went to its present home at Lebreton Flats in 2005. These days it houses a think tank agency for the Aga Khan.

A few blocks away in Lowertown, a home I know of has a lovely garden. Tulips were here too.

I showed you this terrace outside of an office building earlier in the series. Here we have it again.

And these were in a front garden in Little Italy.

Lots of gardeners take part. These are in Centretown.

I can't resist photographing these lilacs.

I conclude today in the Byward Market. These are among the various tulip sculptures around the city.

Gentle Light And Geometric Styles

The Delegation Of The Ismaili Imamat has been part of Doors Open in recent years. It is quite unlike other buildings along Sussex Drive, and yet doesn't clash with the area. Opened in 2008, it operates as a quasi-embassy for the Aga Khan, the spiritual head of Nizari Muslims. His philanthropic organization, the Aga Khan Foundation, works around the world on development, education, and other improvements, and the Canadian chapter is based out of here. It also features a residence for the Aga Khan when he is in Ottawa. Last year I also visited the Global Centre for Pluralism, a think tank devised by the foundation and occupying the former War Museum a short walk away from here, but this year I only had time to stop in here.

Public tours are given regularly, and you can see why. Light illuminates the interior from above, with a patterned screen of geometric metal shapes making for fascinating photo ops. An exterior courtyard features a garden. Working space and a library are also found here.