Ottawa is home to some interesting examples of architecture. From the stunning glass-and-steel National Arts Centre (NAC) to the stately Ottawa City Hall, there is no shortage of impressive buildings to photograph in Ottawa. In this blog post, I share my pics from the RA Photo Club Urban group outing called “Ottawa 4 by 4”. As a group we spent the morning taking images from four different locations in Ottawa: the NAC, the War Memorial, the Shaw Centre, and Ottawa City Hall. Each of these buildings has its own unique character. I have some other images of Ottawa architecture available here.
National Arts Centre
The National Arts Centre (NAC) is a modern glass-and-steel building designed by renowned architect Fred Lebensold and opened in 1969. It is home to a variety of performance spaces, including the Southam Hall, the Fourth Stage, and the Studio. As an architectural photographer, the NAC is always a fascinating subject to capture. Its sleek lines and reflective surfaces offer endless opportunities for interesting compositions. If you’re interested in learning more about the NAC and its history, you can check out this article from the National Arts Centre’s website: https://nac-cna.ca/en/about-us.
The Shaw Convention Centre
The Shaw Centre, formerly known as the Ottawa Convention Centre, is a modern architectural marvel located in the heart of Ottawa, Canada. Designed by world-renowned architect David C. Childs, the Shaw Centre was completed in 2011 and has since become a popular destination for conventions, conferences, and other events. The Shaw Centre is a fascinating subject to capture. Its sleek glass-and-steel exterior, combined with its unique curved design, make for some truly stunning images. If you’re interested in learning more about the Shaw Centre and its history, you can check out this article from the Shaw Centre’s website: https://shawcentre.ca/about/.
The National War Memorial
The National War Memorial is a stunning piece of architecture located in the heart of Ottawa, Canada. Designed by Vernon March and unveiled in 1939. The memorial pays tribute to the soldiers who have fought and died for Canada in times of war. As an architectural photographer, the National War Memorial is a poignant and inspiring subject to capture. Its grand design, combined with its historic significance, make for some truly powerful images. If you’re interested in learning more about the National War Memorial and its history, you can check out this article from Veterans Affairs Canada: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/war-memorials/national-war-memorial.
Ottawa City Hall
Ottawa City Hall, the Ontario Court House, and the Old Teachers College are three beautiful examples of architecture located in Ottawa, Canada. Each building has its own unique character and charm, making them exciting subjects for architectural photographers. Ottawa City Hall, with its impressive sandstone exterior, is a grand and stately building that serves as the seat of the city’s government. The Ontario Court House, built in the Neoclassical style. It is a beautiful and imposing building that serves as the seat of justice for the province. The Old Teachers College, is a historic building with a beautiful Gothic Revival style. These three buildings offer endless opportunities for interesting and inspiring architectural photography.
Bonus NAC Interior
The National Arts Centre (NAC) is not only a stunning piece of architecture on the outside, but it also boasts some impressive design elements on the inside. To kick off the Ottawa 4 by 4 outing we met on the step seating just inside the new entrance. The NAC’s interior offers endless opportunities for interesting compositions and perspectives. From the grandeur of the Southam Hall, with its soaring ceiling and elegant balconies, to the more intimate spaces of the Fourth Stage and Studio, the NAC has something for every architectural photographer to capture. If you’re interested in learning more about the NAC’s interior design, you can check out this article from the National Arts Centre’s website: https://nac-cna.ca/en/about-us/facility/interior-design.
