Chicago Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bey recently praised O’Hare’s new Concourse D in his column, calling the SOM-led design “worth the wait.” The 19-gate concourse broke ground earlier this month and represents the first major building in the airport’s $8.5 billion ORDNext expansion.
Developed by SOM in collaboration with Ross Barney Architects, JGMA, and Arup, the concourse reimagines the passenger experience with light-filled interiors, landscaped gathering spaces, and amenities including 20,000 square feet of lounge space and a children’s play area.
“It’s in many ways a civic building,” said SOM Principal Ryan Culligan, noting that more travelers pass through O’Hare each year than the world’s five largest museums combined. He added that years of design development allowed the team to “pressure test” the concept and deliver a strong, enduring vision.
Bey praised the design’s ambition, writing that the facility “would be a worthy addition to O’Hare” with its daylit interiors, natural plantings, and calm, resort-like atmosphere. He noted that the delay in moving the project forward may ultimately have strengthened it, giving the design team time to refine ideas and ensure their durability. From a soaring oculus skylight to orchard-inspired structural columns, the design balances practicality with a sense of place rooted in the Midwest.
With completion anticipated in 2028, Concourse D will be one of the nation’s first domestic–international codeshare facilities, helping O’Hare strengthen its role as a global hub while offering a dramatically improved experience for millions of travelers each year. As Bey observed, the project carries the potential to reshape the city’s gateway with architecture that is both functional and uplifting—a space Chicago can be proud of.
Top image: Model of O’Hare Airport Concourse D at the Loop offices of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. © Anthony Vazquez / Chicago Sun-Times