Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has revealed its design for Satellite Concourse 1 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
SOM’s design is inspired by the orchard field that gave O’Hare its original name, with an interior supported by a tree-like structure that aims to minimise heating and cooling needs.
The concourse, which will contain a connecting atrium with a garden, is intended to accommodate layover passengers and will be able to deal with a number of sizes of aircraft.
Commissioner Jamie Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation, said: “The designs released today showcase the firms’ continued commitment to meet the city’s budget expectations while still delivering a design that all of Chicago can be proud of.”
Scott Duncan, SOM’s design partner, said: “We designed the new satellite concourse to create a frictionless experience for travellers, on par with the best airports in the world.”
SOM is working alongside Ross Barney Architects, Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects and Arup on the project. It was first awarded a design contract in 2019, but the project stalled due to Covid-19.
The project is the first under the airport’s Terminal Area Programme.
