The design of Evans Hall is directly inspired by the need for a teaching and learning environment to support the school’s integrated MBA curriculum. The campus features 16 classrooms of varying layouts and sizes, developed after an extensive study of the distinctive Yale learning experience. Breakout rooms, lounges, the library, and other common spaces—as well as faculty offices—are positioned to maximize interchange and collaboration, hallmarks of the school’s integrated approach to MBA education.
At the center of Edward P. Evans Hall is the enclosed Shen Courtyard, which acts as the heart of the school, providing outdoor space to study and socialize. The courtyard, glass façade, and open layout allows people to see from one area to another across the campus, creating a unifying effect, a sense that activities throughout the building are interconnected. The expansive courtyard links Evans Hall architecturally to other Yale buildings built around courtyards, such as the Sterling Law Building and the residential colleges.