ESCALATORS FIGURE BIG IN GANG-DESIGNED O’HARE TERMINAL

Wood-covered escalators are an "architectural element [celebrating] movement and spatial excitement" in Chicago architect Jeanne Gang's winning design for Global Terminal, which will replace Terminal 2 at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, the Chicago Tribune reports. Scheduled to open in 2028 and drawing inspiration from the city's municipal symbol and the meeting of the Chicago River's branches with its “Y” shape, the terminal designed by Gang and her team — Studio ORD Joint Venture Partners — has departing passengers riding escalators up to a security and check-in floor and down to gate level. Forming an "architectural plateau," the departure level for domestic and international travelers would overlook a tree-lined atrium with skylights. Despite Tribune columnist Blair Kamin criticizing the design for being too reliant on escalators, the city stated there is room for adjustments, and the final design will meet or exceed Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.