In architecture, a quadrangle, or more colloquially, quad, is a space or courtyard, usually square or rectangular in plan, the sides of which are entirely or mainly occupied by parts of a large building. The word is probably most closely associated with college or university campus architecture, but quadrangles may be found in other buildings such as palaces.

The word "quadrangle" was originally synonymous with "quadrilateral", but this usage is now relatively uncommon."Quadrangle, n." Oxford English Dictionary. Ed. J.A. Simpson and E.S.C. Weiner. 2nd ed. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1989. OED Online Oxford University Press. 29 June 2006. http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50193968

Quadrangles are descended from the cloister gardens of medieval monasteries, which were usually square or rectangular gardens or lawns enclosed by open arcades or cloisters. The conversion of many monastic buildings at Oxford and Cambridge to secular colleges set the pattern for green space kept private from persons not members of the college (although Cambridge has 'Courts' and not 'Quads'). Some gardens are further reserved to the fellows or senior members.

In America, Thomas Jefferson's design for the University of Virginia centered the housing and academic buildings around the Lawn, a huge grassy expanse. Later American college and university planners imitated either the Jeffersonian plan, the Oxbridge idea, or a combination of the two.

Despite the obvious relationship of the word "quadrangle" to the number 4, architects no longer feel bound by a strict numbering of sides.

Quadrangle in heraldry

In an obvious allusion, the quadrangle forms the compartment of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada ^*.

Notable quadrangles

• Mob Quad in Merton College, Oxford is one of the oldest quads in existence.
• Radcliffe Quad, University College, Oxford
• Quadrangle (Harvard)
• Peckwater Quadrangle
• Memorial Quadrangle
• Tom Quad
• Blue Boar Quadrangle
• The Quadrangle

Gallery

Educational establishments

Palaces

See also

• Quad, for other meanings of the term

Notes