The Henry Hinds Laboratory for Geophysical Sciences occupies a transitional position between the historic Neo-Gothic campus of the University of Chicago and its later modern expansion. Designed by I.W. Colburn, the building consists of a limestone-clad volume with prominent exterior towers that project from the sides of the main building and rise above it in a variety of forms. The towers serve multiple functions. Besides being defining architectural elements, they accommodate circulation and ventilation. The openings of the ventilation towers are articulated in red brick, creating a visual contrast with the rest of the building. Through its architectural language, the building deliberately responds to its surroundings. The grey limestone, for example, alludes to the University’s historic limestone buildings, while the red brick crowns of the ventilation towers reference the campus’s characteristic red roofs.

At the University of Chicago, Colburn’s preoccupation with vent towers can also be observed in the adjacent Cummings Life Science Center.

In use (last updated on July 16, 2026).