Continuing this visit to Major's Hill Park today. The slope below Parliament Hill was colourful during this visit.
The National Gallery and Notre Dame could be seen as I walked along.
To the east of the park, the American embassy.
Showing posts with label embassies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label embassies. Show all posts
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Thursday, July 24, 2025
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.
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
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.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Mixed
It was well past time for a summer header, and so yesterday I switched it out for a rainbow on a summer day taken last year at Lansdowne Park.
More odds and ends today. Taken in early June, these two shots are close to home for me. This cat spends a fair bit of time outdoors during warm weather, but rarely is seen off property. She is a sweetie.
That same weekend was Doors Open in Ottawa, a series I'll start tomorrow. This building was not on the list, though its neighbour was. This is the embassy for Saudi Arabia.
I was passing Major's Hill Park. This chipmunk caught my eye, and was cooperative for some shots.
Here we have the Rideau Canal in its last stretch, as taken from Plaza Bridge, as it descends towards the Ottawa River. Parliament Hill is at upper left, while the Chateau Laurier is at right.
I passed by the future main branch of the Ottawa Public Library, which will share some space with Library and Archives Canada. Now in the last phase of its construction, the building is really looking a lot like the design sketches.
Here we see it at a distance from the north, with the Fleet Street Pumping Station in the foreground. Old and new.
A channel of the Ottawa River flows through the latter building, which dates to the second half of the 19th century. It passes into this gully, which has been turned into a training area for white water rafting.
I took these on Canada Day night, close to home. The main fireworks of the night were out at Lebreton Flats, off to the north.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)