Before delving into the article I thought I would point out that two prominent Ottawa architecture firms (Barry Padolsky Associates Inc. Architects and NORR Architects) are once again opening their doors as part of Doors Open Ottawa 2013. Though architecture offices are no longer dominated by a sea of drafting tables and the scent of cigarette smoke they are still worth exploring. The endless rolls of drawings, the material library, and code binders all hint at the complexities of designing a building.
Have a look at the building list for Doors Open Ottawa 2013 here and decide which buildings interest you. You can also check out this link which includes images.
Urbsanity: Exploring Buildings
May 17, 2013
by Jeff Salmon
via yowLABDoors Open 2011 – Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. Photo by Jeff Salmon
As children, we are all born with an innate curiosity and a desire to explore. However, as adults, this is often muted to some extent. Yet, even as adults, there are times when we give in to our curiosities. Those of us who enjoy evening walks probably relish the glimpses into buildings whose lights remain on, as it gives us a chance to peek into spaces that are otherwise protected by the opaque reflections of glass in daylight. It is hard to pass up the opportunity to discover what is happening behind the walls that define our public spaces.
Whether you are comparing how a neighbour’s house stacks up to your own or peering into an office building, it is exciting to imagine what it would be like to inhabit these spaces, as you say to yourself: “Oh, I like that! But that, not so much.”
The other half of the excitement is imagining what is happening in the building, beyond what you can see. These curiosities converge with reality during the annual Doors Open Ottawa event, as patrons are given the opportunity to walk through or tour some of these buildings.
