Perimeter Institute’s research, training and outreach activities operate out of a custom-built facility in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The centre was designed with extensive input from scientists to facilitate basic research and discovery. The building boasts over 120,000 square feet of black-board lined offices, casual interaction spaces, formal conference and seminar rooms, and bistro meeting space. With collaborative opportunities around every corner, Perimeter Institute’s home is an important contributor to the research culture within.
Perimeter’s facility has seen significant growth in its history. In 2001, research operations began in a converted, historic post office building. In 2004, the first custom-built facility was opened as a deliberate marriage of form and function, later winning the national Governor General’s Medal for Architecture. Perimeter quickly outgrew this facility, and by 2011 opened the doors of the Stephen Hawking Centre at Perimeter Institute. This expansion doubled the size of the institute, while making room for up to 250 researchers and trainees operating as a single community.
 Main Features: - 120,000 square feet (11,000 m2)
- Space for up to 250 researchers and trainees
- 11 designated scientific interaction areas for spontaneous, multidisciplinary research activity
- 7 formal presentation spaces for Perimeter’s many scientific conferences, seminars, workshops and educational outreach activities, all with advanced audio-visual technical capabilities
- 205-seat Mike Lazaridis Theatre of Ideas
- Two-floor George Leibbrandt Library
- Perimeter’s own Black Hole Bistro for ongoing interaction
- State-of-the-art IT infrastructure that supports visualization, analysis of complex calculations, and remote collaboration
Perimeter Institute is located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, at the southern edge of Silver Lake. On one side, researchers and visitors can enjoy walks through Waterloo Park, which offers 111 acres of prime parkland and indoor/ outdoor recreational facilities. On the other side is the fast-growing, urban core of Waterloo, with cafés, pubs, restaurants, movie theatres, galleries and more. The University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University are both within a ten-minute walk.
Why Stephen Hawking?
“Stephen Hawking is an inspirational figure for his scientific research, his mentorship of young physicists and his unequalled communication of a love for scientific discovery to the world over. So it is very fitting that the expansion at PI - which is similarly devoted to research, training and outreach - be named for him. We are deeply honoured that Stephen Hawking has allowed us to use his name as Perimeter takes its next step towards becoming an international focal point for foundational theoretical physics.”
- Neil Turok, Director of Perimeter Institute
“The importance of special places and special times, where magical progress can happen, cannot be overstated... It seems to me the same ingredients are being assembled here, at Perimeter Institute. Perimeter’s chosen scientific focus connecting quantum theory and spacetime is central to new insights which are emerging, concerning not only black holes and the beginning of the universe, but also nuclear and particle physics, quantum computers, and the science of new materials. Perimeter is a grand experiment in theoretical physics. I am hoping, and expecting, great things will happen here.”
- Stephen Hawking, Perimeter Institute Distinguished Research Chair
About The Architects:
Perimeter Institute’s custom-built facility was constructed in two phases. The first phase, finished in 2004, was designed by Montreal-based architects Saucier + Perrotte. The building was awarded the national Governor General’s Medal for Architecture in 2006. Perimeter’s second phase, finished in 2011, was designed by Toronto-based Teeple Architects, to accommodate the growth of Perimeter’s scientific community and new masters-level course.
Green Approach:
Perimeter’s ambitious expansion is on track to attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for environmental sustainability. With locally sourced building materials, energy conservation measures, use of green roofs and other eco-friendly features, the new Stephen Hawking Centre is not only a bold architectural design, but is a physical testament to Perimeter Institute’s environmental stewardship.
Accesibility Brochure
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