Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

California, USA

 
Most recently, Fentress' design of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) modernisation at LAX manifested the strongest culmination of the firm's experience in developing an airport city.

In 2008, LAX ended an international search with the selection of Fentress Architects to create a master plan vision for the airport's future - an airport city integrating a central terminal, new midfield satellite concourse and automated people mover systems and to shape the international terminal's future modernisation and expansion. 

The expansion will include concourses and gates large enough to service large aircraft, such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing's Dreamliner to attract trans-oceanic flights and boost international business.

A Great Hall featuring world-class and duty free retail, fine dining, art and luxury passenger lounges will provide the conveniences of a high-end shopping centre.

The airport hosted a ground-breaking ceremony in March 2010 and, when it opens in December 2012, it will transform LAX into a 21st century gateway to the world.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R Villaraigosa described the design concepts by Fentress as "spectacular" and "embodying the character of Los Angeles and creating a remarkable sense of place. It is unmistakably LA" .

Such redevelopment of existing facilities to include retail, business and cultural integration mark a milestone in the evolution of the airport into an aerotropolis.