MATH4 BUILDING

A new state-of-the-art academic building for University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics is currently in development, led by Moriyama and Teshima Architects with Two Row Architect selected as the Indigenous Architect. The 145,000 sf facility will connect to the existing math buildings and house dry labs, offices, graduate student spaces, student services, major server infrastructure, private offices, and more. Research in fields such as data science and cryptography will benefit from the improved and expanded spaces.

The striking visuals of the new Math4 building will reflect the cutting-edge research taking place within the faculty, as well its place on Six Nations Confederacy territory. The upper levels of the building take their form from wampum belts, a binary symbol system used by the Haudenosaunee to communicate and record knowledge since time immemorial. Playful interpretations of functions and Indigenous understandings of infinity and zero inform the use of curves and organic flowing forms through the building. Indigenous conceptions of directionality, natural cycles of the earth and sun, and a deep consideration of the landscape and existing patterns of movement have been integrated into the design.

A balance of openness and protection will support the diverse programming of the building, which includes supporting struggling students and help facilitate their success. The design incorporates many strategies for encouraging conversation and collaboration between students, faculty, staff and others.