Yale celebrates dedication of Humanities Quadrangle

Members of the Yale community gathered yesterday to celebrate the opening and dedication of the Humanities Quadrangle (HQ). The iconic structure at 320 York Street, previously known as the Hall of Graduate Studies — and before that as Sterling Tower — now brings together 15 humanities departments in a space newly envisioned for collaboration and community.

Although HQ officially opened its doors in fall 2021, celebrations to recognize the renovated facility were delayed due to COVID restrictions. One year later, however, the dedication felt timely, Yale leaders said, as the renovation project receives new accolades. The HQ renovation planning and conceptual design — which received an award from the Society for College and University Planning in 2019 — this week were recognized for excellence by the 2022 AIA (American Institute of Architects) Connecticut Design Awards in the category of Commercial, Institutional, Educational, or Multi-Family Residential Design – Large. The project is also in the running for the organization’s Project of the Year, to be announced at the AIA Connecticut Awards Gala on Nov. 15 at the Grand Oak Villa in Oakville, Connecticut.

Please learn more about HQ in the latest edition of Yale Talk: Conversations with President Peter Salovey, in which the president interviews Kathryn Lofton, FAS Dean for Humanities, who was an instrumental figure in the project completion.

Also, view President Salovey’s event speech, in which he discussed the impact and importance of the humanities.