WHAT: Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat building (The Aga Khan building)
WHERE: 199 Sussex Dr.
WHO: Linda Chapman, Linda Chapman Architect
THE NITTY GRITTY: Designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki, with Moriyama & Teshima of Toronto, this was the first building in the world designed to represent the Aga Khan, international spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. Opened in 2008. Awards include the Governor General’s Medal in Architecture.
WHY? Says Chapman: The building has this elegant, minimalist design. The geodesic dome has a honeycombed, organic feel but it’s surrounded by these mathematical, pristine squares. It’s a very interesting contrast. The walls glow at night as does the dome so it’s this very cool, eerily glowing building. The windows are patterned in a series of vertical slits that are very unusual; they make a lantern-like look. The walled courtyard (in the front of the photo) is a traditional Islamic architectural phenomenon but you can see this is a totally modern, pristine, geometric one as opposed to the usual highly ornamental type. The building has a very prominent spot on Sussex Drive but it’s adjacent to the Interprovincial Bridge so driving over the bridge at night you get spectacular views of it.
via Bright lights in Ottawa architecture | Ottawa Citizen Style.
Ismailimail 