Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 Expansion

Air travel can be overwhelming, especially in aging terminals where circulation is constrained and amenities are limited. The Terminal 5 expansion at Chicago O’Hare International Airport rethinks that experience, creating a light-filled, flexible concourse that improves clarity, comfort and access for a diverse range of travelers. This is the terminal’s first major expansion since it opened in 1993 and marks a first step in the O’Hare 21 program to modernize the airport.

Design Solutions

The design transforms a previously linear concourse concept into a boomerang-shaped extension that makes more efficient use of the airfield while creating a central, plaza-inspired space. This organization introduces a civic scale to the terminal, where lounges, gates and retail are arranged around a shared hub that supports intuitive wayfinding and a more engaging traveler experience.

A continuous, curving roof unifies the existing terminal with the expansion, rising to a peak at the building’s central bend. Clerestory glazing draws daylight deep into the space, reducing reliance on artificial lighting while helping passengers orient themselves through clear visual cues. Expansive views of the airfield and cityscape further reinforce a sense of place and reduce travel-related stress.

Material and environmental strategies prioritize comfort and neuroinclusivity. Natural and circadian lighting, paired with quieter mechanical systems, help limit sensory overload for neurodivergent travelers while improving overall passenger well-being. High-performance glass and durable, environmentally responsible materials support energy efficiency and long-term performance.

The terminal is designed for operational flexibility, accommodating a wide range of aircraft and both international and domestic flights. A flexible gate strategy allows the concourse to shift between 10 wide-body gates and 15 narrow-body gates, enabling the airport to respond to changing airline operations and traveler demand. Open-use areas allow the space to evolve with changing airline needs, while also supporting a mix of concessions, diverse retailers, performances and temporary activations that reflect Chicago’s cultural energy.

A $3.5 million city-curated art program integrates installations by emerging local artists throughout arrivals and departures areas, strengthening the terminal’s connection to the city and creating moments of discovery along the traveler journey.

HOK and Muller & Muller, Ltd. (M2), Now GFT, collaborated on the design with the Chicago Department of Aviation.

Impact

The expansion establishes a more intuitive and inclusive traveler experience while supporting long-term operational flexibility for a major aviation hub.

The project has been recognized for design and structural engineering excellence by organizations including AIA Illinois, The Chicago Athenaeum, Interior Design Magazine, Architizer, the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois and the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association.