Exploring Ottawa Architecture: The Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa
The last weeks have been crazy busy shooting for various new clients in architecture and travel and while I was in Ottawa for a series of architectural photography assignments, I set my mind of finding a few fun projects to shoot for my portfolio.
Looking on Google I happen to notice that a new building by Diamond Shmitt and KWC architects had been completed a few months ago and as I was driving back to the hotel, I just realized that I had passed by the said building. So in a heartbeat, I drove back to the location, bringing my Nikon D800 along with a couple of lenses (Nikkor AF-S 16-35mm f/4 G ED VR and Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED) and my tripod.
I wasn’t really planning on staying for long, but I got drawn by the building, shooting the exteriors at my very favorite time of the day; the blue hour. The shape of the building is very striking and the south entrance facade features a “flatiron” shape that is unique.
North west view of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa at dusk by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
South West view of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa at dusk by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
East view and South view of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa at dusk by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
Then, I ventured inside to discover the amazing interiors of this new building. I’ve always admired the design of Diamond Shmitt Architects projects such as “La Maison Symphonique” at Place Des Arts In Montreal and I was very impressed by the six-storey-high biofilter living wall – the tallest in North America. The design and architecture of the interiors is striking, with a subtle balance between the green tones of the living wall, the wooden walls, the grey concrete pillars and the steel staircases.
Interiors and biofilter living wall of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
The lighting is also very balanced, especially in the stairways and it adds a lot of depth to the hall with nice perspective from the upper floors.
Interiors of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
Interiors and biofilter living wall of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
Interiors of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
Then, a few days after my first visit, in between assignments, I had the time to return to take a few additional day shots on a beautiful sunny day. I really like how the building blends into the environment and the grey and green tones of the facade blend perfectly against the deep blue sky.
West Facade of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa at dusk by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
North West and Sout view of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa at dusk by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
Detail shot of west facade of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa at dusk by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
Detail shot of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa at dusk by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects
view of Faculty of Social Sciences Building at the University of Ottawa at dusk by Diamond Shmitt and KWC Architects – from canal Rideau
I hope you did enjoy the visit.
Thanks for viewing!
David Giral is a published Montreal/Toronto based editorial and commercial professional photographer specialized in architecture, interiors, portrait and travel photography.
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