Project Description
FROM THE ARCHITECTS:
Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC) North Project is the next significant effort in the ongoing modernization of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and will benefit the public by helping to relieve reliance on remote gates and improve the customer experience at the airport. The development of the MSC program will enhance the passenger experience, improve and expand international travel through LAX, and facilitate additional wide-body aircraft gates to serve current and future demand.
Design Concept: Ocean Swell
The building carefully balances the strong “mid-century jet age” modern simplicity with the dynamic oceanic theme of the International Terminal’s “breaking wave” roof. Together, the client and design build team created a structurally efficient building inspired by an ocean swell, a design that allows ample daylight, volume and ambience to embrace its vibrant interior community.
Gateway Extension
After baggage check-in and security screening at Tom Bradley International Terminal, passengers enter through the newly completed Bradley West Great Hall to the gateway extension. The spacious gateway building houses airline lounges and the escalators and elevators to the passenger tunnel below. Passengers can see the Midfield Satellite Concourse across the taxiway as they descend the escalator and traverse below the taxiway to the new concourse.
Passenger Tunnel
Passengers connect to and from the MSC Concourse to Tom Bradley International Terminal via three sets of moving walkways in the tunnel located below the aircraft taxiways. Domestic arrivals are separated from international arrivals, though both types of passenger can enjoy the warm lighting and “living rooms.”
Passenger Arrival
Passengers connect to the Midfield Satellite Concourse at the Apron Level bus gates. From here, passengers ascend the grand vertical circulation core and arrive in the multi-level atrium space of the central dining terrace. Upon arrival, the passenger can clearly see the TBIT terminal in the distance through a three-story high glass façade, aiding the passenger’s sense of orientation. This arrival space is an active ecosystem of quick-serve, luxury sit down, family and bar dining options. The centrally located Duty Free shop invites passengers to sample its offerings. Airline premium fliers access airline clubs on the upper levels via six elevators.
Gates as Urban Neighborhoods
To enhance the passenger experience and drawing on the urban fabric of Los Angeles, multiple gates are grouped together to create “urban neighborhoods.” Gates are surrounded by retail kiosks, cafes and passenger service amenities such as powered work counters, play areas and conversation pods. This approach is designed to cater to every passenger regardless of age, ability, group size or reason for travel and provides a variety of comfortable seating options.