The International Arrivals Lobby in Terminal 5 of O'Hare Airport was renovated to create a more welcoming environment for visitors, and to accommodate additional baggage screening and offices. The upper half of the once 30-foot-tall lobby was re-claimed for security, so the new ceiling height is much lower at 16 ft. tall. Schuler Shook was charged with designing a lighting system that maintained a spacious feel, but with half the ceiling height.

Schuler Shook designed a series of lighting coves that indirectly illuminate the lobby. The coves help to visually interrupt the 350-foot-long corridor, while also providing a warm, soft quality of light. Glowing light slots occur in between the coves to add visual interest, and columns are illuminated with carefully located downlights