Since 1960, when Caltech's math department first took up residence in Sloan Laboratory, the physical space had remained essentially unaltered. So when Ronald (MS '62, PhD '64) and Maxine Linde endowed The Linde Center for New Initiatives at Caltech, renewing that historic structure was a top priority.

The new Ronald and Maxine Linde Hall of Mathematics and Physics includes spaces for both teamwork and quiet contemplation and—because the building will be home to more than 125 mathematicians—an abundance of blackboards throughout. Lest an eager scholar's chalkboard chatter become too vigorous, each board is backed with sound-absorbing material.

"The new Linde Hall will be transformative for our mathematics program," says Fiona Harrison, Benjamin M. Rosen Professor of Physics and Kent and Joyce Kresa Leadership Chair for the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy. "It will help us attract the best and brightest faculty, students, and postdocs, and will provide interactive space for collaboration."

This story was originally published in Caltech Magazine .