This treasure of a building was designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki on the last piece of vacant land on Ottawa's ceremonial Sussex Drive. It was commissioned by His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims as a cultural headquarters for the Aga Khan Development Network of humanitarian projects, as well as a delegation and residence for His Highness when visiting Ottawa.
The Delegation is open to the public usually on Wednesdays and Saturdays (it's best to check their website in case there's a function going on). Visitors are welcome to come in and photograph the building (just no video), and volunteer guides are also on hand and happy to to give building tours to explain the purpose of the Aga Khan Foundation and clever design features within the architecture.
