The City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) have officially broken ground on Concourse D, the first new building under the ORDNext expansion program at O’Hare International Airport. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in collaboration with Ross Barney Architects, JGMA, and Arup, the $1.3 billion concourse will redefine the passenger experience at one of the world’s busiest airports.
🔑 Key Highlights:
- ORDNext Milestone: Concourse D marks the first new facility in O’Hare’s Terminal Area Plan, including two new concourses, a global terminal, and a connecting tunnel.
- Passenger-Centric Design: Skylit spaces, orchard-inspired branching columns, and landscaped amenity zones reflect Midwestern natural landscapes.
- Innovative Features:
- Multi-level oculus arrival space for natural daylighting and wayfinding.
- Curved layouts inspired by Midwestern river bends.
- Airline club lounge with panoramic airfield views.
- Sustainability: Fewer structural supports reduce embodied carbon; roof contours optimized for Midwest climate efficiency.
- Enhanced Experience:
- Expansive double-height glazed wall framing Chicago skyline views.
- Seating with integrated charging, social hubs, and work-friendly counters.
- Two concession zones for flexible dining and retail.
- Delivery & Timeline:
- Built by AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa.
- Completion expected in late 2028.
- Planning already underway for Concourse E.
