An airport that’s basically computational thinking made physical: flows, constraints, and the tyranny of connections.
Airport in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Featured in I. M. Pei's definitive monograph, I.M. Pei: Complete Works.
Visitor Guide
If you’re photographing, aim for long lenses down concourses—airports are perspective factories.
End-of-concourse symmetry shot, early morning for fewer people.
Public airport; secure areas require boarding pass; no tickets beyond travel access.
Airport architecture is parametric whether it admits it or not—every decision is a flow optimization with security constraints.
30–90 minutes (layover dependent)
Design & Structure
Systems-driven design: circulation modeling, security zoning, and phased expansion logic dominate form-making.
Durable public-infrastructure materials—metal, glass, terrazzo, composite panels—selected for maintenance and abuse resistance.
Long-span concourses and vibration/deflection control; MEP integration is the hidden engineering feat.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with O'Hare International Airport — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
More by I. M. Pei
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Louvre
State University of New York at Fredonia
University of Rochester
Cornell University
Syracuse University
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Nearby in Chicago
181 West Madison Street
McCormick Tribune Campus Center
Exelon Pavilions
Chicago Spire
Art Institute of Chicago Building
University Apartments (Chicago)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed O'Hare International Airport?+
O'Hare International Airport was designed by I. M. Pei. It is located in Chicago, United States.
Where is O'Hare International Airport located?+
O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago, United States. Its coordinates are 41.9786°, -87.9047°.
Can I visit O'Hare International Airport?+
O'Hare International Airport is a real building in Chicago that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.