Chicago O'Hare International Airport Terminal 5 Extension | Chicago - Illinois | 2023

Architects: Muller & Muller Ltd.
Lead Architect: Peter Ruggiero, David Steele
Associate Architects: Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK)
General Contractor: Austin Power Partners
Client: Chicago Department of Aviation

The architects led the design of more than 300,000 square feet of new space in Terminal 5 at the O’Hare International Airport. This is the terminal’s first major expansion since it opened in 1993. It will increase the terminal’s capacity by 25 percent, adding new gates while upgrading existing gate sizes to accommodate the larger aircraft used for international flights. The addition will create flexibility as the terminal is repurposed in the future.

The original program was a linear extension of the existing concourse. Instead of a long extruded bar, the design team proposed an alternative to bend the bar into a boomerang shape. This move created more efficient use of the airfield and shorter walking distances. By infilling the boomerang, more amenities were introduced that were not originally in the program. A community gathering area at the corner of the L-shaped concourse functions as a town square and commercial space. There is an array of retail, food, and beverage offerings. The vaulted space welcomes natural light, emphasizes the town square as a destination, complements the vaulted space of the original departures hall, and offers views across the airfield toward the Chicago skyline.

The terminal extension transitions from the old to the new, where the roof raises and arches until it reaches its highest point at the elbow. The team was sensitive about how this terminal worked as one, to create a seamless, singular experience. The concourse extension utilizes a city-curated art program that highlights emerging local artists from underserved communities. The concourse features a series of art installations on the arrivals and departures levels. The new arrivals corridor was designed to convey a warm welcome: a feature of its terrazzo floor displays the word welcome written in the recognized languages spoken in Chicago.

With sustainable design and wellness features including high-performance glass, a circadian lighting system and healthy, durable materials, the team is aiming for LEED Silver certification. The project also is adding four new security lanes to the checkpoint and improving immigration facilities. The 25-year-old baggage handling system will also be fully modernized. The design creates a new front door for the city and is the keystone project in O’Hare’s revitalization program.