Inside Rafael Viñoly’s mathematical masterpiece

Rafael Viñoly. His design for the Andrew Wiles Building in Oxford is a triumph, writes Prof Sam Howison. Photograph: Miguel Rojo/AFP/Getty Images

I am sorry to read that Rafael Viñoly has passed away (Architect Rafael Viñoly, designer of Walkie Talkie building, dies aged 78, 4 March). Your article highlights some of his controversial buildings; I work in one of his great successes, the Andrew Wiles Building in Oxford, which houses Oxford University’s Mathematical Institute.

I worked closely with the Viñoly team on this wonderful project. The architects created a building that doesn’t just house mathematics, it promotes and celebrates our work. The team cleverly incorporated our suggestions of mathematical ideas into the structure: Pascal’s mystic hexagram, the utilities problem graph K(3,3), the shape of a vibrating drum and a Penrose tiling.

And, while the Walkie Talkie may have an issue with focusing (mathematics has a lot to say about parabolic mirrors), the play of light, reflection and shadow in our building is ravishing. It’s a great art gallery, currently showing a major exhibition of Conrad Shawcross sculptures. All this, plus Cafe Pi: do come and visit!
Prof Sam Howison
Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford

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