Architecture is a truly unique field -- part art, part science, part customer relations.

The best architects have to marry bold and innovative artistic vision with a keen sense of functionality, all the while bearing in mind that satisfying the client is the ultimate litmus test of success.

I was worried when we hired architects to design the new Perimeter Institute building in Waterloo. The scope and uniqueness of the project -- to design a state-of-the-art facility to provide the ultimate environment for theoretical physics research -- guaranteed that many top architectural firms would be interested, but I was concerned they would be preoccupied by making an artistic statement.

I didn't want a landmark building primarily known for its architecture. I wanted a beautiful building that would set an international standard for a theoretical research environment and allow us to attract and retain the finest crop of scientists throughout the world. I needed, in short, a beautiful building that worked.

People might be surprised by this. After all, what do theoretical physicists really need, anyway? Pencils, paper, computers, blackboards and offices. Surely there's nothing difficult or unique in that.

But dig deeper and you quickly realize the situation is more complex.

Natural light is extremely important. Plentiful, comfortable interaction areas, where scientists can deliberately and spontaneously meet to discuss developing ideas, are essential. Areas for quiet contemplation, calculation and reflection are equally necessary.

In the end, there must be a harmonious balance of private spaces, quiet public spaces, formal meeting areas (such as seminar rooms and an auditorium) and informal meeting areas (lounges, open gathering spots).

Food is vital to the creative process, almost as much as coffee. (I'm firmly convinced that several of our recent recruits were swayed by the quality of our espresso machine.)

And for a place that will be running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, once it's completed in August, there must be diversions: games, fitness facilities, cultural activities and so forth, to recognize that many of our researchers will be effectively living within its walls for large periods of time.

All of these concerns are reflected in the new facility under construction adjacent to Waterloo Park. The building is flooded with natural light, both from the central atrium and adjacent courtyard and the generous amount of glass throughout the building

There are two informal gathering areas per floor, as well as three additional lounges, a library, two seminar rooms and a lecture theatre.

Six wood-burning fireplaces will provide ambience throughout the long Canadian winters. Each of the four floors has a separate espresso machine, while above the lecture theatre sits a bistro, complete with rooftop deck.

On the ground floor are fitness facilities and a squash court. In addition to its primary purpose, the lecture theatre will play host to regular musical performances, while the atrium may well be ideal for rotating artistic exhibitions to provide a stimulating cultural experience for our research staff.

Extravagant? Not by a long shot. Our challenge was simply to build the best such facility in the world, putting us on the map in the international theoretical physics arena.

Relevant government agencies, such as Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Innovation Trust, hardly known for supporting frilly infrastructure projects, concurred and are strongly supporting us.

I am delighted to report that my worst fears about architects, at least these architects, were never realized.

Saucier & Perrotte Architects of Montreal created a facility that achieved everything in the program within a context of stunning beauty and daring innovation. Every so often, everything comes together. It's exciting to be there when it happens.