The O’Hare Global Terminal by Santiago Calatrava redefines the modern terminal with a masterwork
of civic architecture.
Framed by a glass façade and a dramatic shell-like roof that soars over the forecourt, the building
unifies the central terminal area while establishing itself as the singular identity for O’Hare.
The vaulted, light-filled terminal hall recalls the grandeur of bygone travel and unifies all activities
around a departures and arrivals hall featuring retail outlets within a verdant garden. A grand central
space provides visitors with clear visibility and intuitive wayfinding. References to Chicago
iconography - the Chicago “Y” which is found on many buildings around the city - help enliven
convenient links to adjacent terminals, airport satellites, and an improved public transit interface.
A future Vision plan proposed by Calatrava transforms the area opposite the Terminal into a vibrant
park-like complex.