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The O’Hare 21 project is the most significant expansion effort in O’Hare International Airport’s 80-year history. A major part of the project is Satellite Concourse 1, the renderings of which were recently released by the City of Chicago.
 

The concourse will provide travelers with more gates, better amenities and increased travel options to streamline and enhance the passenger experience. Taking inspiration from O’Hare’s original name — Orchard Field — the project’s lead architects from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) developed a dynamic tree column design that mimics the look and feel of a tree, allowing structural and programmatic advantages such as an elevated sterile corridor to process international arrivals.
 

“The gate lounges feature column-free expanses for easy wayfinding, high ceilings to optimize views and a daylighting strategy to help align the body’s natural rhythms — all to make the experience of air travel more pleasurable,” said SOM Design Partner Scott Duncan. “We are excited for our team to lead the way on O’Hare 21 and to establish a new standard of excellence for O’Hare.”

 

SOM also took inspiration from Terminal 1’s existing shape and form. The design is not just rooted in history and existing style; there are mechanical and electrical advantages as well -— including making O’Hare more environmentally friendly. “They responded to the architectural legacy, history, functional importance and functionality of the existing facilities,” said Dominic Garascia, Assistant Commissioner for Design and Construction for the CDA.
 

Modern buildings have more efficient heating systems and a better ability to disperse and recycle air. The new terminal facilities planned for O’Hare 21 are replacing buildings that are more than 60 years old, reflecting advances in sustainable building practices over the last six decades.
 

Additionally, environmental progress has been made on building materials. The airport now has access to construction supplies made from recycled wood and other products with less embodied carbon and chemical treatments. Throughout Satellite Concourse 1, the CDA expects SOM to use healthy and environmentally-friendly materials.
 

One of the most exciting aspects of the new Satellite Concourse 1 is the deployment of Multiple Aircraft Ramp Systems gates, which allow a single gate to service one enormous plane or two smaller jets. Overall, the concourse can work with nine big planes or 19 smaller planes.
 

Big planes are needed at certain times of the day and at specific times of the year, while smaller plane usage also varies. The flexibility to accommodate a full range of aircrafts throughout the day and year also increases cost-effectiveness and ensures that the airlines get maximum efficiency from the facility.
 

The new Satellite Concourse 1 will be eco-friendly and operationally efficient, enhancing the passenger experience and providing for more amenities. Not only will the concourse provide new and improved aircraft gates but also expansive space for new amenities. Passengers can easily find and enjoy the modern traveling experience while conveniently accessing restaurants, stores, children’s play areas, art and mother’s rooms, matching quantity with demand.
 

“Chicago’s airports play a critical role in the country’s aviation system and our local economy, impacting more than 700,000 jobs across the region and contributing more than $70 billion in economic activity,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in late May when he unveiled the renderings for Satellite Concourse 1. “Investments in our airports are truly investments in our communities, generating new career opportunities for the people and families of Chicago and creating generational wealth among local entrepreneurs.”
 

Construction on Satellite Concourse 1 is anticipated to create more than 3,800 construction jobs.