Today, the City of Chicago unveiled SOM’s design for Satellite Concourse 1, the first phase of the O’Hare 21 Terminal Area Plan, a curb-to-gate transformation of Chicago O’Hare International Airport into a modern, efficient global hub. We are thrilled to share this milestone with our team—Ross Barney Architects, JGMA, Arup, and others—with whom we have been collaborating since winning the international design competition to design the satellite concourses that will set a new standard for passenger experience, comfort, and operational efficiency at O’Hare. Serving both international and domestic passengers, Satellite Concourse 1 will add 19 flexible new gates and contribute to a considerable reduction in layover transfers for passengers in one of the nation’s busiest airports.

“We designed the new satellite concourse to create a frictionless experience for travelers, on par with the best airports in the world,” said SOM Partner Scott Duncan. “The gate lounges feature column-free expanses for easy wayfinding, high ceilings to optimize views, and a daylighting strategy to help align the body’s natural rhythms—all to make the experience of air travel more pleasurable.”

Construction on the concourse began in March 2023 and is on track for completion in 2028.