Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, so naturally the airport is one of my favorite places. I enjoy people watching, the excitement of departing to a new destination, and arriving home after a long journey. LAX is my home base. It’s the fifth busiest airport in the world for passengers with over 62 million people flying in and out last year. It hasn’t been significantly altered since the 1980’s so it’s about time for a face-lift. Fentress Architects in association with HNTB has been selected to develop a design concept for the modernization scheme of LAX. Inspired by the Pacific Ocean, the design will include roof tops that flow like rhythmic waves breaking on shore and flat-seam stainless steel stretching over the column-free structure. The plans also intend to considerably change the appearance and feel of the Tom Bradley International Terminal with larger curbside canopies creating an airy cover and a more gracious entry to this important Gateway. The revamped LAX will feature a two-level bridge offering either a train ride on the lower level, or automated pedestrian walks on the upper level. The split level design will allow unobstructed views to both the north and south with viewing lounges at either end of the bridge providing a welcoming view downtown to the east and a departing view of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean to the West. With fluid flow of passengers in mind, the new LAX airport will sport an automated people mover connecting terminals and outside transport.
