THE FIELDS INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

INCUBATOR

For ideas in pure math theory that, when applied, affect our lives profoundly.

IDEALIZED PLAN

Moving from Waterloo to a new home on the University of Toronto’s central campus enables the Fields Institute to idealize its new plan around a light-filled courtyard in a tight and efficient new building.

A central courtyard organizes the plan around two elements: a sensuous wood-clad helical stair, and a two-sided fireplace. Both act as social catalysts, and remind visiting mathematicians of the Fields vision – while at the institute, they are to work together collaboratively.

MONASTIC

Scientists and scholars of multiple levels of seniority are organized in a randomized manner, surrounding the courtyard in simple private work spaces recalling the monastic. Each office is spartan and minimally appointed, but with operable windows and individualized environmental control. All front onto open common areas overlooking the central court to encourage social and intellectual sharing.