O’Hare International Airport by Ross Barney Architects

Designed by Ross Barney Architects, the new Multi-Modal Terminal (MMT) at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport revolutionizes how passengers connect to the city and its surroundings. Serving as a centralized hub for multiple ground transportation options, the terminal consolidates services such as rental cars, buses, shuttles, and suburban trains—all under one expansive, sunlit roof.

This innovative terminal is linked to O’Hare’s existing airline terminals via a 1.5-mile extension of the Airport Transit System (ATS), also known as the people mover, making transfers seamless and efficient for millions of travelers each year.

Architectural Design and Passenger Experience

The terminal’s soaring design welcomes passengers with an abundance of natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere that immediately conveys a sense of arrival in Chicago. Inside, travelers find amenities catering to comfort and convenience, including:

• Food and beverage concessions

• Merchandise shops

• Spaces dedicated to 13 rental car companies

• Regional bus and hotel shuttle pick-up zones

• Access to suburban train services

The project also incorporates a thoughtful integration of public art commissioned by the City of Chicago. Key installations include:

• Horizon Light by James Carpenter

• Field Lines by Rob Ley

• Palimpsest by Nick Cave

These art pieces enrich the spatial experience, reflecting the city’s dynamic culture.

Infrastructure and Sustainability

The Multi-Modal Terminal includes a five-level precast concrete parking structure designed to accommodate multiple transportation needs:

• Consolidated Rental Car Center (CONRAC): Offering a capacity of 4,500 ready and return vehicles, it streamlines car rental operations for customers and providers.

• Quick Turn-Around (QTA) Facility: A multi-level area dedicated to fast vehicle fueling and washing, enhancing operational efficiency.

• Public Parking: Space for 2,600 vehicles, meeting the demands of airport visitors and staff.

One of the project’s primary environmental benefits is its impact on airport traffic flow. By consolidating ground transportation into one terminal, the facility is projected to remove approximately 1.3 million vehicles annually from the central terminal roadways. This reduction in traffic contributes significantly to lowering carbon dioxide emissions within the airport core.

LEED Silver Certification: Commitment to Sustainable Design

The Multi-Modal Terminal is on track to achieve Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. This certification recognizes the project’s emphasis on sustainable building practices, including:

• Energy-efficient systems

• Reduced environmental footprint

• Improved operational performance

Ross Barney Architects’ commitment to green architecture underscores O’Hare Airport’s role as a leader in environmentally responsible infrastructure development.

Conclusion: A Model for Modern Airport Transit

The O’Hare Multi-Modal Terminal exemplifies how innovative design and sustainability can transform airport infrastructure. By consolidating various modes of ground transportation into one user-friendly, light-filled hub, it improves passenger experience, reduces congestion, and supports Chicago’s environmental goals.

As O’Hare continues to grow as a global transportation hub, this terminal sets a precedent for future airport designs worldwide—combining operational efficiency with architectural elegance and ecological mindfulness.

Photography: Kendall McCaugherty & Hall+Merrick Photographers