Program and design as a concurrent process : an architectural thesis for a new terminal 2 at Chicago-O'Hare International Airport

Abstract

The thesis is to investigate a concurrent program and design process which will improve the quality of the built environment. A program is often regarded as only the initial step which establishes the parameters for a design. The thesis position is to consider programming as a continuous systhesis of information about emotions and actions during all design stages. The premise of this approach is that it can result in a facility which is more responsive to the users needs and becomes the enhancement and celebration of life.The project is a new domestic terminal at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Construction is currently underway for the most extensive redevelopment of any airport that has ever occurred. Projected growth is from the current 43 million passengers a year to 75 million a year by 1995.The airport is currently operating far above its designed capacity which creates a crowded and disorienting environment for the traveler. The thesis and project recognizes this condition and the final design meets the projected demands for 1995.