The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the
world’s busiest airports, is undergoing a facelift. As part of a multi-phase project, AECOM is
working with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to create a sensational
experience for the 61 million passengers who travel in and out of LAX
annually. The project aspires to unify
the disparate components of the airport’s central terminal area (CTA) and
insert grand gestures that provide architectural hierarchy — yielding LAX as
exciting as the city in which it resides. Through an artful integration of
lighting, graphics, and architecture, the design draws from key existing
airport elements such as the 1960s architecture of the Theme Building and the
60-foot polychromatic light pylons that define the airport’s entry.
The CTA will be articulated with an illuminated glass ribbon
that defines the roadway edge and is modulated with white sculptural light
poles every 60 feet — establishing an unprecedented ceremonial airport
experience. This illuminated ribbon is synchronized with the entry pylons, and
the light poles emulate the Theme Building’s optimistic architecture. In
addition to the light ribbon are three-dimensional super-graphic terminal
identifiers.
The project amplifies at LAX’s largest terminal, Tom Bradley
International. A series of aerodynamic
metallic canopies will replace the existing structures. The improvements
include: a 1,000-foot roadside canopy, three entry pavilions canopies with
integral skylights, and two new escalator and stair canopies that link the
arrival and departure levels. In
addition, the plaza at the arrival level will be renovated — delivering more
light and space for the traveler. The LAX Enhancements project will radically
improve the traveler’s experience from curbside to airside with a design that
captures the essence of Los Angeles. In the interest of delivering the client a
project of the highest value, the scheme functions as a kit of parts that can
be easily phased and built upon for all future enhancement projects. Welcome to
Los Angeles.