Latest news

Congratulations to Laura Kimpton who has been awarded the prestigious IMA Lighthill-Thwaites Prize at the recent British Applied Mathematics Colloquium in Leeds.

General

Cranes & Fork Lifts:- TC1 tower crane is planned to be dismantled on the 17th & 18th April. Any remaining works will then be carried out with the use of roof cranes or mobile cranes. The metal hoarding along the site access road will gradually be substituted with A shaped bases and harris fencing as greater access is required.

Entrance:- The pedestrian entrance has been moved from Gate 1 to Gate 7 while services are being installed adjacent to Somerville College.

Future works for April

Architectural Metalwork:- External grille vents are expected to be delivered wc 26/4/2013. Roof terrace balustrade brackets continue to be installed. Stair balustrading are largely installed to core areas.

Waterproofing & Flat Roof:- All roofs have been waterproofed and largely paved where required. Sedum (green roof) planting is planned to commence in April.

Entrance:- All the long main beams have been installed and the gridwork has commenced.

Cladding:- Cladding units to both north and south are virtually installed apart from those left out for access.

Glass Atrium Roofs:- The north atrium roof is complete. The south minor atrium has glass substantially installed, while south major atrium has over 85% glazed.

Reconstituted Stone & Brise Soleil:- The Stone contractor Techrete are largely complete on the north and are 80% on the south block with the stone fins that surround the windows, with a priority to those above the Entrance. Brise Soleil is following to both blocks.

Lifts:- The lift contractor Thyssen have completed both car lifts & both passenger lifts, and is currently engaged on the goods lift .

Mechanical & Electrical:- Both the power and water are now connected and the gas supply is expected imminently. Commissioning has commenced and will test and balance each system.

Internal Fitout:- All zones have commenced on the north and south buildings. Decoration is continuing in the north, while floor boxes, door installation continue in the south. The birdcage scaffold is expected to be removed wc 8/4/2013. from the large lecture theatre.

Screed:- The sand and cement subfloor to make the area level flat in readiness for stone paving has been laid in the main entrance area. This was mixed by a machine and pumped to the required area.

Joinery:- Timber balustrade panels have started in the south minor atrium.

Smoke Curtains:- Smoke curtain boxes have been installed in the north. A smoke curtain, when deployed in the event of a fire, will direct smoke away from escape routes.

External Works:- The crane base has been broken up and removed. Drainage connections are near to completion around the building. Hard landscaping will now begin progressively to the perimeter of the building, while co-ordinating with cladding finishes.

Recent Site Photos

We are inviting artists to propose, and eventually create, a substantial and artistically significant sculpture to be placed in the main Entrance Lobby of the New Mathematical Institute. The New Mathematical Institute building, designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, is nearing completion in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, an area under intensive development by the University of Oxford. It is envisaged that the art work will in its conception be inspired by, or connected to, a mathematical theme, concept or shape.

Full details of the sculpture competition are available

General

Cranes & Fork Lifts:- The loading bay of the south block has been closed off with cladding panels installed. The south block is served with tower crane TC1 and will be supplemented with roof cranes or mobile cranes.

Future works for March

Architectural Metalwork:- Roof terrace balustrade brackets are being installed. Entrance feature stair is installed together with the main elements of the basement staircases. Stair balustrading are largely installed to core areas.

Waterproofing & Flat Roof:- All roofs have been waterproofed and largely paved where required. Sedum (green roof) planting will commence in April.

Entrance:- The gridwork and glass are expected to begin wc 25.03.13. Two side beams also required to be installed.

Cladding:- Cladding units to both north and south are virtually installed apart from those left out for access.

Glass Atrium Roofs:- The north atrium roof is complete. The south minor atrium main has glass substantially installed, while south major atrium has over 70% glazed.

Reconstituted Stone & Brise Soleil:- The Stone contractor Techrete are largely complete on the north and are 70% on the south block with the stone fins that surround the windows, with a priority to those above the Entrance. Brise Soleil is following to both blocks.

Lifts:- The lift contractor Thyssen have completed both car lifts & both passenger lifts, and is currently engaged on the goods lift .

Mechanical & Electrical:- Both the power and water are now connected and the gas supply is expected imminently. Commissioning has commenced and will test and balance each system.

Internal Fitout:- All zones have commenced on the north and south buildings. Decoration has commenced in the north, while floor boxes, door frame & skirting continue in the south.

Screed:- The sand and cement subfloor to make the area level flat in readiness for stone paving has started in the main entrance area. This is mixed by a machine and pumped to the required area.

Joinery:- Carcass works for balustrading within the South Atrium continues while timber balustrade panels with glass top now virtually complete in the north.

Smoke Curtains:- Carcass works for smoke curtains are installed in the north. A smoke curtain, when deployed in the event of a fire, will direct smoke away from escape routes.

External Works:- Drainage connections are near to completion around the building. Hard landscaping will now begin progressively to the perimeter of the building, while co-ordinating with cladding finishes.

Recent Site Photos

General

Cranes & Fork Lifts:- Tower Crane TC2 has been dismantled while the start of breaking up the concrete base adjacent to St Lukes Chapel is expected to start on w.c.18/3/2013. Although this by its very nature will create some noise, it is hoped that it can be carried out in as short a time as possible. The south block is served with tower crane TC1 and will be supplemented with roof cranes or mobile cranes. Internal materials are largely served by a fork lift and with use of the tower crane when required.

Entrance:- The pedestrian entrance has temporarily moved from Gate 1 to Gate 7 while services are being installed adjacent to Sumerville College.

Visits:- On 8/3/2013 a series of 5 furniture review sessions were held in the building for departmental members.

Future works for March

Architectural Metalwork:- Roof terrace balustrade brackets are being installed. Entrance feature stair is installed together with the main elements of the basement staircases. Stair balustrading continue to core areas.

Waterproofing & Flat Roof:- All roofs have been waterproofed and largely paved where required. Sedum (green roof) planting will commence in April.

Entrance:- The longitudinal steel beams (by SUK/CovCon) commenced w.c. 25/2/2013. This will be followed by gridwork and glass.

Cladding:- Cladding units to both north and south are virtually installed apart from those left out for access.

Glass Atrium Roofs:- The north atrium roof is virtually complete. The south minor atrium has glass substantially installed, while south major atrium has over 50% glazed.

Reconstituted Stone & Brise Soleil:- The Stone contractor Techrete are largely complete on the north and are progressing on the south block with the stone fins that surround the windows, with a priority to those above the Entrance. Brise Soleil is following to both blocks.

Lifts:- The lift contractor Thyssen have completed the first car lift & passenger lift in the north. The passenger lift to the south is virtually complete.

Mechanical & Electrical:- The corridor areas in the north are ongoing. Services contractor, Crownhouse, have installed internal drainage, sprinklers, ductwork, pipework and containment at the basement & mezzanine. Cabling and wiring are ongoing. Now that power was energised on 27/2/2013 the testing and commissioning can commence in earnest.

Internal Fitout:- All zones have commenced on the north and south buildings. Door installation has commenced in the north, while door frame and skirting continue in the south.

Joinery:- Carcass works for balustrading within the south atrium continues while timber balustrade panels with glass top continue to be installed in the north.

Smoke Curtains:- Carcass works for smoke curtains are installed in the north. A smoke curtain, when deployed in the event of a fire, will direct smoke away from escape routes.

External Works:- Drainage connections are ongoing around the building.

Recent Site Photos

General

Cranes & Fork Lifts:- Tower Crane TC2 is expected to be dismantled 26th February. The south block is served with tower crane TC1 and will be supplemented with roof cranes or mobile cranes. Internal materials are largely served by a fork lift and with use of the tower crane when required. North atrium movable scaffold has now been removed.

Entrance:- The pedestrian entrance has temporarily moved from Gate 1 to Gate 7 while electrical main cables are drawn through ducts to the power room.

Future works for February/March

Architectural Metalwork:- Roof terrace balustrade brackets are being installed. Entrance feature stair is installed together with the main elements of the basement staircases. Stair balustrading continue to core areas.

Waterproofing & Flat Roof:- All roofs have been waterproofed with 5th levels in the process of paving. Sedum (green roof) planting will commence in April.

Entrance:- Cross beams have been connected to the steel columns ready for a start of the entrance roof works (by SUK/CovCon) on week commencing 25/2/2013.

Cladding:- The north block is complete. All elevations to the south block have panels with mainly corner sections to complete.

Glass Atrium Roofs:- The north atrium roof is virtually complete. The south minor atrium main support beams and gridwork are in place with glass substantially installed. South major atrium has main support beams and glass gridwork partly installed, with temporary cover / “tent” over the northerly area.

Reconstituted Stone & Brise Soleil:- The Stone contractor Techrete are largely complete on the north and are progressing on the south block with the stone fins that surround the windows, with a priority to those above the Entrance. Brise Soleil is following to both blocks.

Lifts:- The lift contractor Thyssen have completed the first car lift & passenger lift in the north. The passenger lift to the south is nearing completion with just testing to complete.

Mechanical & Electrical:- The corridor areas in the north are ongoing. Services contractor, Crownhouse, have installed internal drainage, sprinklers, ductwork, pipework and containment at the basement & mezzanine. Cabling and wiring are ongoing. When power on date is achieved the testing and commissioning can commence in earnest.

Internal Fitout:- All zones have commenced on the north and south buildings. Door installation has commenced in the north, while door frame and skirting continue in the south.

Joinery:- Carcass works for balustrading within the at South Atrium continues while timber balustrade panels with glass top continue to be installed in the north.

Smoke Curtains:- Carcass works for smoke curtains are installed in the north. A smoke curtain, when deployed in the event of a fire, will direct smoke away from escape routes.

External Works:- Drainage adjacent to the north access road is ongoing.

Recent Site Photos

General

Cranes & Fork Lifts:- Tower Crane TC2 is expected to be dismantled on 20th February. The south block is served with tower crane TC1 and will be supplemented with roof cranes. Internal materials are largely served by a fork lift and with use of the tower crane when required. The access “moling” hole allowing materials to the lower floors has been closed and formed into the permanent vent.

Entrance:- The pedestrian entrance has temporarily moved from Gate 1 to Gate 7 while electrical mains cables are drawn through ducts to the power room.

Visits:- The Mathematics Department tour took place on the 1/2/2013.

Future works for February

Architectural Metalwork:- Entrance feature stair is installed together with the main elements of the basement staircases. Stair balustrading continue to core areas.

Screeding:-Screeding (sand & cement layer to obtain a flat floor) has continued to toilet areas

Waterproofing & Flat Roof:- 3rd, 4th & 5th level main roofs to the north have been waterproofed and the south has also had the 3rd, 4th and 5th levels waterproofed.

Cladding:- The north block is complete. All elevations to the south block have panels with mainly corner sections to complete.

Glass Atrium Roofs:- The north atrium roof is virtually complete. The south minor atrium main support beams and gridwork are in place with glass substantially installed. South major atrium has main support beams installed, with temporary cover / “tent” over the middle area.

Reconstituted Stone:- The Stone contractor Techrete is largely finished on the north and is progressing on the south block with the stone fins that surround the windows, with a priority to those above the entrance.

Lifts:- The lift contractor Thyssen has completed the first car lift in the north. The passenger lift to the south is nearing completion with just testing to complete.

Mechanical & Electrical:- The corridor areas in the north are ongoing. Services contractor, Crownhouse, has installed internal drainage, sprinklers, ductwork, pipework and containment at the basement & mezzanine. Cabling and wiring are ongoing with the power on date wc 18/2/2013 in order that testing and commissioning can commence.

Internal Fitout:- All zones have commenced on the north and south buildings. Door frames continue to be installed in the north & south.

Joinery:- Carcass works for balustrading within the South Atrium continues while timber balustrade panels with glass top continue to be installed in the north.

Smoke Curtains:- Carcass works for smoke curtains started on 21/1/2013. A smoke curtain, when deployed in the event of a fire, will direct smoke away from escape routes.

External Works:- Drainage along the north has commenced.

Recent Site Photos

We are delighted to announce that Professor Ben Green FRS will join us as the new Waynflete Professor of Pure Mathematics. Ben is an outstanding mathematician who is well known for his work in additive combinatorics among other topics. He has held chairs at Bristol and Cambridge.

General

Cranes & Fork Lifts:- Tower Crane TC2 is expected to be dismantled mid February. The south block is served with tower crane TC1 and will be supplemented with roof cranes. Internal materials are largely served by a fork lift and with use of the tower crane when required. The “moling” hole is expected to be closed off in the next fortnight.

Entrance:- The pedestrian entrance has temporarily moved from Gate 1 to Gate 7 while electrical main cables are drawn through ducts to the power room.

Future works for February

Architectural Metalwork:- Entrance feature stair is installed together with the main elements of the basement staircases. Stair core balustrading has started in core 2.

Screeding:- Screeding (sand & cement layer to obtain a flat floor) has commenced.

Waterproofing & Flat Roof:- 3rd & 4th Level main roof to the north has been waterproofed while the south has had the 3rd and part 4th level waterproofed. Other levels will follow.

Cladding:- The north block is complete. All elevations to the south block have commenced with mainly corner sections to complete.

Glass Atrium Roofs:- The north atrium roof is largely enclosed. The south minor atrium main support beams and gridwork are in place with glass substantially installed. South major atrium has main support beams installed, with temporary cover / “tent” over the middle area.

Reconstituted Stone:- The Stone contractor Techrete are largely complete on the north and are progressing on the south block with the stone fins that surround the windows, with a priority to those above the Entrance.

Lifts:- The lift contractor Thyssen have completed the first car lift in the north. The passenger lift to the south has commenced and is expected to be complete in January. The 2nd car lift is expected to take 7 weeks.

Mechanical & Electrical:- The corridor areas in the north have commenced. Services contractor, Crownhouse, have largely installed internal drainage, sprinklers, ductwork, pipework and containment at the basement & mezzanine. Cabling and wiring will be ongoing in the coming weeks.

Internal Fitout:- All zones have commenced on the north while 6 out of 8 zones have commenced on the south. Door Frames have recently commenced in the north & south.

Joinery:- Carcass works for balustrading within the at South Atrium continues while timber balustrade panels have started being installed in the north.

Smoke Curtains:- Carcass works for smoke curtains started on 21/1/2013. A smoke curtain, when deployed in the event of a fire, will direct smoke away from escape routes.

Recent Site Photos

This year's Nomura Lecture will be held on the 6th June 2013, by Paul Milgrom, Shirley and Leonard Ely Professor of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University. He is well known for his fundamental contributions to auction theory and incentive theory. He is also an excellent speaker

Time/location: 5.30pm Martin Wood Lecture Theatre

Title: Strategy-Proof Auctions for Complex Procurement

Abstract: Some real resource allocation problems are so large and complex that optimization would computationally infeasible, even with complete information about all the relevant values. For example, the proposal in the US to use television broadcasters' bids to determine which stations go off air to make room for wireless broadband is characterized by hundreds of thousands of integer constraints. We use game theory and auction theory to characterize a class of simple, strategy-proof auctions for such problems and show their equivalence to a class of "clock auctions," which make the optimal bidding strategy obvious to all bidders. We adapt the results of optimal auction theory to reduce expected procurement costs and prove that the procurement cost of each clock auction is the same as that of the full information equilibrium of its related paid-as-bid (sealed-bid) auction.

The Nomura Lecture poster can be found here