Originally Posted by
sc001
Great questions! I don't know what's in those rooms behind the screens in the 70s and 80s gates, but my guess is offices/rest facilities.
Regarding, the picture you included of the 90s gates - those actually aren't windows. It's all ventilation. The central utility plant for Terminal C is located above the 90s concourse (formerly known as Concourse G in Port Authority docs). All of that space is for cooling towers, chillers, heat pumps, etc. You can read about it in some of the construction documentation that was submitted to PANYNJ.
And I believe they put it there to save space AND protect from flooding in case Flushing Bay or associated rains flood the ramp (which could have happened if utilities were at ground level). You'll also notice they built flood walls along the bay..I really think they did a great job with the windows overlooking Flushing Bay including Citi Field and Arthur Ashe Stadium. Where else do you get that kind of view at an airport?