O’Hare International Airport Pedestrian Tunnels

Introduction

As the world’s fourth-busiest airport for passenger counts, keeping passengers moving safely and swiftly is a priority at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Serving 54 million passengers annually, O’Hare utilizes seven pedestrian tunnels below the lower-level roadway for passengers to connect between the terminals, the main parking garage, and the CTA Blue Line station. 

Originally constructed during the 1970s, the tunnels desperately needed renovation. During periods of heavy rain, groundwater would leak into the pedestrian tunnels causing damage to the interior architecture. Utilizing 3D laser scans of the tunnels to facilitate the repairs, contractors performed remediation work for water infiltration that affected the original cast-in-place reinforced concrete tunnels.

The  Story

Providing interior design as well as lighting design and structural engineering services, Epstein Global worked closely with the Chicago Department of Aviation in developing intricate plans for the tunnels. For the architectural design, Epstein and the CDA team wanted to showcase Chicago, a vibrant city that is continuously changing, modern yet with a rich history, and a leader of the sustainable movement in the U.S. Additionally, the theme of each tunnel would follow the same color scheme of their respective terminals. Therefore, Terminal 1 features blue gradient wallpaper and images of the Chicago skyline, lake, and river; Terminal 2 features orange gradient wallpaper with images from the Chicago Theater District; and Terminal 3 features green gradient wallpaper with images from Chicago parks and green roofs. 

In addition to the tunnel themes, Epstein’s design team created an asymmetrical design for each tunnel by extending the equally spaced metal panels past the center of the tunnel while creating a higher ceiling. Furthermore, the lighting scheme introduced pendant fixtures in between the metal panels and used a linear fixture on the opposite side. The asymmetrical design also created two distinct sides in each tunnel; the active side features curved corrugated metal panels and pendant lighting fixtures, while the passive side has a continuous wood-finished wall surface with linear lights and a lower ceiling. Further breaking up the linearity, the team installed LED screen areas at regular intervals in every tunnel. Each tunnel also features a different floor finish pattern.

The CDA and Epstein team selected Crossville Porcelain Tile Panels by Laminam for the pedestrian tunnels because of the line’s aesthetically appealing texture and high durability. To support the design goals and material requirements, the team chose the porcelain tile panels to be installed on the walls throughout the tunnels. The Laminam panels’ finish creates a uniform yet dimensional canvas upon which the asymmetrical design shines as the focal point. With their generous 1M x 3M exterior dimensions and lean 3 mm thickness, the Laminam panels offer the size and style the space demands. 

As with a project of this size, timing, and logistics were of utmost importance, and Crossville made every effort to ensure that the tile, which came from overseas, arrived on time without any delay.

“With Crossville and an experienced tile installer, the use of large porcelain tile panels was a smooth process from start to end,” said Jeffrey McQuiston, Epstein Project Architect. 

For adhering to the existing masonry substrate, Crossville was able to provide the required solutions for a proper installation. 

“These new tunnels provide a more vibrant and inviting welcome to Chicago for travelers connecting between the Terminals and the CTA Blue Line station, O’Hare’s Elevated Parking Structure, or the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel,” Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said. “The work involved crucial infrastructural repairs while updating the tunnels with a beautiful, modern design and energy-efficient lighting improvements.”

* The product shown, while no longer available, closely resembles Crossville Porcelain Tile Panels by Laminam in the Pietra Di Savoia collection, and we invite designers to order samples to obtain the look and feel of this project.