The Department of Mathematics at UBC is one of the strongest mathematics departments in Canada. It is ranked 26th in world and 2nd in Canada, according to the QS World University Rankings. The Department has strong connections with other departments and institutes at UBC, and has a major role in the cross-disciplinary Institute of Applied Mathematics (IAM), with members from Science, Applied Science and other UBC faculties. The Department teaches about 2,000 undergraduate course FTEs annually, 34% more than a decade ago.
The Department’s activities are currently dispersed over four older buildings. The layout, age, condition, and inadequate infrastructure of these buildings restrict pedagogical development, and will not support program growth and cohesion. This project proposes to replace the Mathematics Building, Mathematics Annex, and L.S. Klinck buildings with a 16,877 GSM modern facility to address teaching and research needs, fulfill capacity requirements and provide up to date, flexible space with full infrastructure capability. The project will include replacement of lecture theatres and classrooms that serve the wider precinct. A new structure will provide a more pleasant learning environment that will be designed to facilitate collaboration. The proposed site is on or near the site of the existing Math and Klinck buildings on West Mall.