Terminal 5 Master Planning  |  O'Hare International Airport, Chicago

  • Proposed LEED/SAM Gold Level

After 9/11, it became clear that O'Hare's International Terminal 5 was in need of a complete redesign. Primary areas of concern were the location and layout of the TSA security zone, a redesign of the food court and retail spaces to shift the majority of them to the 'airside' of the terminal, and the integration of environmental concepts from the Sustainable Airport Manual (SAM). 

The revised plan envisions a new security layout that significantly alters the traffic patterns of the TSA, food court and retail spaces. The TSA, which was taking up valuable retail space, was to be relocated out of the existing courtyard area. By shifting the entire food court and the majority of the retail space from the 'landside' to the 'airside' of the terminal, the travelers experience in the terminal would be significantly enhanced. Shopping opportunities were extended down each wing of the terminal, featuring retail enclosures sympathetic to T-5's architectonic elements. All of these changes would be phased in to minimize any disturbance within the terminal.


  • Roof mounted solar thermal panels to produce process hot water for various restaurant venues

    Efficient fluorescent and LED lighting controlled to available natural daylighting levels

    Low emitting green materials and low V.O.C. finishes

    Carefully designed restaurant make up air system

    Highly efficient restaurant equipment

    Green ‘REC’ power purchase offsets

    Natural day lighting and ventilation

    Water Sense plumbing fixtures


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