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HOK 2021 Design Annual
https://www.hok.com/design-annual/2021-reframing-a-sustainable-future/
Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 Expansion 

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 Expansion 

Chicago, Illinois 
  • Design for Integration Design for Equitable Communities Design for Ecosystems Design for Water Design for Economy Design for Energy Design for Well-Being Design for Resources Design for Change Design for Discovery
A thoughtful process that balances beauty and function. Looking beyond the current client to positively impact future occupants and the community. Benefitting both human and nonhuman inhabitants over time. Responsible use of this precious natural resource. Adding value to the owners, users, community and planet. Reducing energy use while enhancing performance, comfort and enjoyment. Supporting holistic health for occupants and the community. Using materials that minimize environmental impact while improving performance. Allowing for adaptability, resilience and reuse over time. Using lessons learned to advance the profession and produce better buildings.

This is Terminal 5’s first major expansion and renovation since it opened in 1993. It’s the first phase of the O’Hare 21 program, an effort by the City of Chicago and the airlines to modernize and prepare the airport for the future.

The design increases the international terminal’s capacity while elevating the overall passenger experience.

The L-shaped addition incorporates nine new wide-body aircraft gates and relocates and reconfigures three existing gates. All the gates will accommodate next-generation aircraft and be easily convertible to narrow-body positions as the terminal is repurposed in the future.

Community Gathering Area 

A community gathering area at the corner of the L-shaped concourse functions as a town square and commercial space. There are an array of retail, food and beverage offerings.

The gently raised ceiling creates a signature vaulted space that welcomes natural light and offers views across the airfield toward the Chicago skyline.

Upper Departures Level 

The upper departures level features an abundance of natural light and magnificent outdoor views.

A gently meandering circulation path guides passengers to their gates, which have comfortable lounge areas with clusters of seating options.

read caption +
The terminal expansion is more efficient and economical than the original plan commissioned by O’Hare. Arranging the single-loaded concourse across two levels instead of three requires less aircraft circulation space and eliminates the need for an expensive concrete ramp.
Targeting Silver

With a focus on sustainability, the design is aiming for LEED Silver certification.

  • High-performance glass helps save energy.
  • A circadian lighting system will automatically adjust the level and intensity of lighting in the terminal throughout the day and night to reflect natural human circadian rhythms.
  • The team prioritized authentic, durable materials that require minimal maintenance.
  • Concrete and other construction waste on the existing airfield were recycled.
Art Program

On the lower level, the new arrivals corridor incorporates art installations that introduce passengers to the city’s rich cultural offerings.

The art program highlights emerging local artists from underserved communities.

Designed for Change

The project adds four new security lanes to the checkpoint, upgrades immigration facilities and modernizes the 25-year-old baggage handling system.

In the future, Terminal 5 is expected to transition from serving primarily international flights to a balanced mix of domestic and international flights.

Built-in flexibility will ensure the terminal continues to serve the airport’s needs as additional facilities are constructed.

Project Credits
Chicago studio
Muller & Muller, Ltd.
Chicago Department of Aviation
Expertise
Architecture, Engineering, Experience Design, Interiors, Planning + Urban Design, Sustainable Design
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Group 8 Group 8 Copy

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 Expansion 

Chicago, Illinois 
  • Design for Integration Design for Equitable Communities Design for Ecosystems Design for Water Design for Economy Design for Energy Design for Well-Being Design for Resources Design for Change Design for Discovery
A thoughtful process that balances beauty and function. Looking beyond the current client to positively impact future occupants and the community. Benefitting both human and nonhuman inhabitants over time. Responsible use of this precious natural resource. Adding value to the owners, users, community and planet. Reducing energy use while enhancing performance, comfort and enjoyment. Supporting holistic health for occupants and the community. Using materials that minimize environmental impact while improving performance. Allowing for adaptability, resilience and reuse over time. Using lessons learned to advance the profession and produce better buildings.

This is Terminal 5’s first major expansion and renovation since it opened in 1993. It’s the first phase of the O’Hare 21 program, an effort by the City of Chicago and the airlines to modernize and prepare the airport for the future.

The design increases the international terminal’s capacity while elevating the overall passenger experience.

The L-shaped addition incorporates nine new wide-body aircraft gates and relocates and reconfigures three existing gates. All the gates will accommodate next-generation aircraft and be easily convertible to narrow-body positions as the terminal is repurposed in the future.

Community Gathering Area 

A community gathering area at the corner of the L-shaped concourse functions as a town square and commercial space. There are an array of retail, food and beverage offerings.

The gently raised ceiling creates a signature vaulted space that welcomes natural light and offers views across the airfield toward the Chicago skyline.

Upper Departures Level 

The upper departures level features an abundance of natural light and magnificent outdoor views.

A gently meandering circulation path guides passengers to their gates, which have comfortable lounge areas with clusters of seating options.

read caption +
The terminal expansion is more efficient and economical than the original plan commissioned by O’Hare. Arranging the single-loaded concourse across two levels instead of three requires less aircraft circulation space and eliminates the need for an expensive concrete ramp.
Targeting Silver

With a focus on sustainability, the design is aiming for LEED Silver certification.

  • High-performance glass helps save energy.
  • A circadian lighting system will automatically adjust the level and intensity of lighting in the terminal throughout the day and night to reflect natural human circadian rhythms.
  • The team prioritized authentic, durable materials that require minimal maintenance.
  • Concrete and other construction waste on the existing airfield were recycled.
Art Program

On the lower level, the new arrivals corridor incorporates art installations that introduce passengers to the city’s rich cultural offerings.

The art program highlights emerging local artists from underserved communities.

Designed for Change

The project adds four new security lanes to the checkpoint, upgrades immigration facilities and modernizes the 25-year-old baggage handling system.

In the future, Terminal 5 is expected to transition from serving primarily international flights to a balanced mix of domestic and international flights.

Built-in flexibility will ensure the terminal continues to serve the airport’s needs as additional facilities are constructed.

Project Credits
Chicago studio
Muller & Muller, Ltd.
Chicago Department of Aviation
Expertise
Architecture, Engineering, Experience Design, Interiors, Planning + Urban Design, Sustainable Design
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