Introducing the Humanities Quadrangle

The Humanities Quadrangle (HQ), the newly renovated building formerly known as the Hall of Graduate Studies, begins a new era for the humanities at Yale.

In a time in which the work of the humanities could not be more imperative, the refurbished landmark at 320 York Street epitomizes Yale’s ongoing commitment to the education of future historians, literary critics, and scholars of ancient and modern culture. Originally designed by James Gamble Rogers, HQ, which is open to students this fall, now hosts 15 humanities departments and programs. Its distinctive tower, named for the late David Swensen, who was Yale’s chief investment officer, is entirely devoted to study space for doctoral students.

Already its occupants have found what the renovation architect Ann Beha intended, namely that casual encounters and cross-disciplinary conversations between scholars of diverse fields easily occur in these hallways and meeting spaces.

“That Yale took one of its iconic buildings to rebuild the space in ways that encourage collaboration is a signal to the world that we are committed to this area of excellence,” says Tamar Gendler, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

See HQ as you’ve never seen it before.