Riding the line between public and private space, the Perimeter institute for Theoretical Physics, a private research institute, questions the usual hard thresholds established by private enterprise in the public realm. The building defines the secure zones of the Institute's facilities within a series of parallel walls, embedded in an erupting ground plane. Located between the city and the park, the Perimeter Institute expands and inhabits the improbable space of the line that separates the two. The design is inspired by the nebulous spaces occupied by the subjects of theoretical physics, at once micro- and macro-cosmic, rich in information and of indeterminate form and substance.

With a simple initial concept of two program bars clearly articulated around a central space, the research institute proceeds to unfold into a successful choreography between inside and outside – allowing constant views from one to another and organizing the mass of program around light courts sectionally distributed throughout the building. While the restrained palette and elegant combination of materials further contributes to the interiors’ sense of clarity and calm – ensuring focus and concentration – the exterior facades’ almost hyper-real resolution in a kind of scientific expression announces to its surroundings the exciting intellectual endeavours happening on the inside.
Amale Andraos