In August 2025, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 81 years old airport commenced on a $1.3 billion expansion project that was set to expand capacity, enhance facilities, and strengthen global connectivity. Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted ” To maintain Chicago’s global leadership in the 21st century, we must continue investing in O’Hare, our region’s most powerful economic engine”
Serving Chicago, Illinois, United States and covering 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2), is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is the international airport which is the world’s fourth busiest airport and 16th largest airport.
The Concourse D project is a visualization and contribution of Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in collaboration with Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects, and Arup. “Our vision for the new Concourse D considers the entire passenger journey from curb to gate,” says Scott Duncan, Design Partner at SOM.
Selected in 2019 through an international design competition, SOM, has created a unique design for Concourse D. The design draws inspiration from the curved lines of Midwestern rivers, shaping the interior spaces. A multilevel layout and a central oculus bring in natural light, making the space bright and welcoming for travelers.
A signature feature from SOM is the tree-like structural column, inspired by orchards and the airport’s original name, Orchard Field. The roof’s shape and overhangs help control temperature inside. The concourse will have six gate lounges, two concession areas, and an open layout for easy movement. Seating options include large benches, café tables, workspaces, and charging stations.
Though completion of the project is scheduled in late 2028 other works of SOM’s has an experience on aviation for long time and their examples includes designing and execution of other airports like San Francisco International Airport and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Terminal 2, and has recently garnered international recognition for the completion of Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2, dubbed the “terminal in a garden.
References:
- Bdcnetwork.com. (2025). Chicago’s O’Hare airport breaks ground on its first major new concourse in over 30 years. [online] Available at: https://www.bdcnetwork.com/home/news/55311489/chicagos-ohare-airport-breaks-ground-on-its-first-major-new-concourse-in-over-30-years [Accessed 26 Aug. 2025].
- Gerves, F. (2023). Top 20 biggest airports in the world -. [online] Aeroaffaires.com. Available at: https://aeroaffaires.com/biggest-airports-in-the-world/.
- Higgins, G. (2025). O’Hare begins $1.3bn Concourse D expansion project. [online] International Airport Review. Available at: https://www.internationalairportreview.com/news/293526/chicago-begins-1-3-billion-concourse-d-construction-at-ohare-airport-to-boost-passenger-experience-and-growth/.
- Patel, P. (2025). Chicago O’Hare Breaks Ground on $1.3 Billion Concourse D Expansion. [online] Simple Flying. Available at: https://simpleflying.com/chicago-ohare-construction-new-concourse/ [Accessed 27 Aug. 2025].
- Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (2025). New Renderings Revealed as Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport Breaks Ground – SOM. [online] SOM. Available at: https://www.som.com/news/concourse-d-ohare-expansion/ [Accessed 28 Aug. 2025].
- Traylor, N. (2025). Designing the Journey: O’Hare Expands with Light-Filled Concourse D. [online] Architect Magazine. Available at: https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/designing-the-journey-ohare-expands-with-light-filled-concourse-d [Accessed 29 Aug. 2025].
- Dogan, R. (2025). SOM Breaks Ground on Concourse D at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: http://archdaily.com/1033310/som-breaks-ground-on-concourse-d-at-ohare-international-airport-in-chicago [Accessed 28 Aug. 2025].
