In stark contrast to most of Vinland's 19th century Romantic Revival architecture, O'Hare Academic Center near the Cliff Walk proclaims the geometric functionalism of post-World War II architecture. This building combines unadorned plate glass, industrial block and stainless steel in a grid pattern reminiscent of Bauhaus architecture. A series of three rectangles joined in the center hall represent pure geometric form that accommodates well-lit classrooms as well as lounges, a large lecture room, faculty offices and state-of-the-art laboratories for instruction in the sciences.

The building's sharp angles and the ancient tradition from which it arises on the east terrace are expressed in a bronze and stone sculpture, The Vision of Pythagoras, created by Rhode Island artist and former faculty member William Paul Haas. Mature specimen trees from around the world soften its angularity. Broad heads of Japanese Maples blend with the stately Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), native of the Balkans. Often growing to 75 feet, it is especially lovely in springtime when the white cone-shaped flowers with red tips bloom. Near the building, a thriving gray, short-needled Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) from North Africa bearing two-inch cones can grow to a height of 120 feet.