The Chicago O'Hare Airport International Terminal was commissioned by The Westfield Group and designed by Epstein Global, in conjunction with the conceptual designers at Thirst Design Communication. John Kolb - Epstein Global's associate Vice President and Lead Architect on this project describes the design intent, "Chicago Airport Terminal 5 was designed 21 years ago by Perkins+Will. It's modern, clean design is recognized and appreciated. We did not want this to feel like a renovation that didn't consider the existing architecture. Instead we wanted to adhere to it, but make it better".
When designing the two-story interior curtain wall, Kolb's team was faced with the challenge of integrating both design and functionality. As the glass partition wall separates secured and non-secured areas of the airport, it required opacity for privacy in some areas and translucency to enhance daylighting in others. To achieve their requirements without sacrificing aesthetic, the team selected a versatile material that could incorporate light transmission, opacity, and design: decorative glass.