1.4K 
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Aviation have unveiled the five shortlisted designs for O'Hare International Airport's $8.5 billion terminal expansion. The 2.25-million-square-foot terminal will be among the largest built in the United States when complete in 2028, and could boast a modern design from one of the world's leading starchitects.
Fentress Architects out of Colorado, the same studio behind the mountain-like roof of Denver International Airport, have joined forces with Brook Architecture, EXP and Garza Karhoff Engineering to propose a design with a series of bulbous peaks. An undulating white roof with exposed glass openings serves to filter sunlight through the interior.
London's Foster + Partner's teams up with Epstein and JGMA to envision a design comprised of three vaulted forms that transition into a grandiose curve overlooking the tarmac. Foster's signature diagrid comes into play here, adding texture to the ceiling.
Chicago's Studio Gang Architects partner with Solomon Cordwell Buenz, STL Architects, Corgan Associates and Milhouse Engineering and Construction to imagine a three-winged layout that features an oculus in the centre of the space. Wood materials peppered throughout the interior imbue the building with warmth and contrast with white, Y-shaped supporting columns in the Studio ORD proposal.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the hometown name behind Willis Tower and the former John Hancock Center, propose a rectangular composition with humps in the roof line. The concept literally showcases Chicago's native flora by encasing trees and plantings in large glass rooms open to the sun, fluctuating with the seasons.
The final proposal sees Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava employ his famous skeletal approach in the shape of a massive arrowhead. Renderings also indicate Calatrava's larger vision to replace parking structures on the site with a sprawling garden. The interior of the terminal would also have devoted spots for wild flora to grow.
"As the City that makes no little plans, Chicago is taking a bold step forward to choose the architect team that will set the course for O’Hare’s biggest transformation yet," said Mayor Emanuel. "This design competition celebrates our tradition of innovation and world-leading architectural history. As we move forward with the O’Hare expansion, we invite our residents and travelers to weigh in on one of the largest terminals in the country."
Chicagoans are invited to view concept models and renderings of the proposals at the Chicago Architecture Center at 111 East Upper Wacker Drive. The competition began in June 2018 when a dozen teams answered the city's request for qualifications. The new terminal will replace O'Hare's Terminal 2, which dates back to the 1960's.
As always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.
