HMS Unveils Flexspace and Celebrates Diversity Through Dimensions Exhibit

Harvard Medical School unveiled its new Flexspace — a three-story administrative office for hybrid workers — in Gordon Hall on Wednesday, marking the completion of renovations that began in 2023.

Gordon Hall, located in the Longwood Quadrangle, was renovated to create a centralized workspace that will accommodate 10 administrative units — including research administration, finance, and human resources — many of which were previously dispersed across the Longwood campus.

George Q. Daley ’82, the HMS Faculty Dean, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighted the productivity gains and cost savings the space will provide during a time of budget constraints.

“This is the central administration building for the whole medical school and to be able to have it now be the focus of so much activity just infuses life and vitality into this part of the chaos,” he said.

“That has allowed us to move out of the leases, saving literally millions of dollars a year,” Daley added. “In the current times where we’re under a lot of budget stress, this is just a wonderful, wonderful way of conserving it.”

Many of those who will be working in Gordon Hall celebrated the space’s repurposing and the opportunity to bring together numerous administrative teams under one roof.

“I’ve worked at Gordon Hall for almost 15 years and the opportunity to have a space that allows me to see my colleagues across many different offices has been wonderful,” said Aili Lewis, who works in the Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness.

The opening ceremony was also accompanied by the latest installment of the Dimensions of Harvard Medical School exhibit. The initiative showcases personal narratives highlighting the cultural diversity and underrepresented backgrounds of individuals who play an integral role at HMS.

“If you had been here 10 years ago you would have seen nothing but portraits of white men,” said David Jones, a professor at HMS.

“I think it’s a statement of commitment to the community, which is an important thing to do at a time when the community is feeling very much under siege,” he added.

When the exhibit concludes the photographs and artwork will be moved and permanently displayed in the Flexspace.

“We’re all facing some pretty withering budget cuts, but this Dimensions Exhibit offers us a sense of solace and some inspiration,” said Daley. “Going around and seeing all of these individuals and appreciating the fact that every one of these individuals makes extraordinary contributions to our community.”

One of the Flexspace’s key goals has been to foster greater collaboration among teams, and early indicators suggest improvements to the workplace in line with HMS goals.

“It’s so important that we try to break down the silos of the different administrative units,” Daley said. “The early returns suggest that it is already meeting those goals. I couldn't be more delighted with how it’s turned out.”

The Flexspace, which opened in February, includes individual rooms, offices, meeting rooms, and 18 collaboration spaces.

“It’s been a great showing and everyone’s been enjoying the space,” said Lucas Braun, the Flexspace community manager.