The American Airlines Stinger Gate L
Chicago
Award of Merit 

Owner: American Airlines
General Contractor: F.H. Paschen
Lead Design Firm: Corgan

Upon its completion in March 2018, the $55-million American Airlines Stinger Gate L became the first new set of gates at O’Hare International Airport in 24 years. General contractor F.H. Paschen built a concourse that can facilitate five regional aircraft and provide passengers with hold rooms, concession areas, restrooms, circulation areas and break rooms.

The new area is surrounded by the L Concourse in Terminal 3. The terminal and the Stringer Gate are connected by a 600-ft pedestrian bridge. 

Lead design firm Corgan wanted a bridge that limited the impact on existing structures. The design’s aesthetic contains hints of the repetitive diagonal braced structural skeleton along the interior walls of the bridge. As passengers move through the bridge, they get large, clear views of the airfield, the landside curbsides and drives as well as the concourse itself.

Once on the concourse, travelers are met by a high-volume space meant to calm passengers from the stress of traveling. Simple column wraps and a perforated wood ceiling add a sense of lightness to the space.