Chicago, Ill.

O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 Expansion

Client: Chicago Department of Aviation
Our Role: Architect of Record

A spacious airport terminal with wide corridors, bright white finishes, daylight streaming through clerestory windows, and people walking in the open area.

O’Hare International Airport has long been a gateway of Chicago’s connection to the world, serving millions of travelers annually. By the early 2000s, however, Terminal 5 — originally opened in 1993 — struggled to meet the demands of modern air travel. Passenger traffic had increased, aircraft had grown larger, and the terminal needed to accommodate both international and domestic flights, which added complexity to its operations.

The Chicago Department of Aviation faced a challenging task: expanding Terminal 5’s capacity while creating a more welcoming and efficient travel experience. The project needed to prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and architectural excellence, all without disrupting daily airport operations or diminishing the terminal’s civic importance at one of the busiest airports in the U.S.

To meet these demands, GFT (formerly Muller2) led the effort to transform Terminal 5 in collaboration with design partner HOK. The team developed an innovative plan that broke away from traditional, linear terminal designs. Instead, the layout was reimagined as a boomerang shape, maximizing airfield space and creating a central hub at the structure’s “elbow.”

The city of Chicago’s vibrant urban plazas inspired the central hub, offering travelers a gathering space that integrates lounges, gates, shops, and dining options. The vaulted ceilings and expansive glass walls bring abundant daylight, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Panoramic views of the city skyline and airfield enhance wayfinding while giving travelers a sense of place.

This approach wasn’t just about creating a visually appealing space; it was also practical and future-proof. Designed with the needs of modern airports in mind, it accommodates larger aircraft, adapts to evolving travel demands, and seamlessly blends eco-friendly features like energy-efficient lighting, durable materials, and quieter mechanical systems. Beyond functionality, the terminal now serves as a venue for community engagement, hosting public art installations, performances, and culinary experiences.

Key Features

Expanded Capacity: A 350,000-square-foot extension adds ten wide-body gates, increasing capacity by 25%.
Enhanced Passenger Experience: Vaulted ceilings, natural light, and sweeping views offer a calming, stress-free atmosphere.
Central Gathering Hub: Inspired by Chicago’s urban plazas, the hub integrates lounges, gates, retail, and dining, offering travelers a cohesive, engaging space.
Sustainability-Focused Design: High-performance glass, energy-efficient systems, and durable materials reduce the terminal’s carbon footprint and surpass the Sustainable Airport Manual™ standards.
Inclusive Art Program: A $3.5 million city-curated initiative features works of emerging local artists, adding cultural depth and community connection.
Adaptable Infrastructure: Flexible spaces throughout the Chicago airport expansion accommodate evolving aircraft needs, new technologies, and diverse uses such as retail, art, and public performances.

Outcomes

The Terminal 5 expansion is a transformative project that reshapes the traveler experience while strengthening Chicago’s reputation as a world-class travel hub. The redesign blends functionality, sustainability, and inclusivity, creating a future-ready space. Whether passengers are arriving to the city or heading to their next destination, the updated Terminal 5 offers a modern, efficient, and welcoming experience that leaves a lasting positive impression.

Streamlined Operations: Integrated international and domestic flights enhance efficiency and solidify O’Hare’s reputation as a premier global hub.
Economic Growth: The project supports minority- and women-owned businesses, creates jobs, and bolsters local economic development.
Traveler Comfort: A design focused on reducing sensory overload, improving navigation, and offering modern amenities that enhances the travel experience.
Civic Pride: Public art installations and an inviting architectural design create a memorable first and last impression of Chicago.
Architizer, 2025, A+ Awards, Popular Choice Winner – Transportation Infrastructure.
American Institute of Architects Illinois, 2023, Capitol Award.
American Institute of Architects Chicago Chapter, 2023, Lerch Bates People’s Choice Award Finalist.
American Institute of Architects Chicago Chapter, 2023, Design Excellence Finalist.