The Tom Bradley Terminal is the largest public works project in the history of Los Angeles and is a major improvement to airline travel for the busy hub. Fentress Architects, who designed Sacramento's new airport as well as Terminal B at San Jose International, took charge of the redesign in LA. The project features a grand 100-f00t daylit hall characterized by an arching, column-free roofline. From the exterior, the profile is meant to resemble the form of crashing waves.

Designed to LEED Silver standards, the project includes a variety of strategies to reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability. During construction, 75% of the waste was diverted from the landfill and water use was reduced by 48%. Daylighting strategies are enhanced with the use of a light-colored interior and clerestory windows to bring daylight into the heart of the building. Meanwhile deep overhangs protect it from over heating and energy efficient mechanical systems reduce demand. Low flow fixtures and plumbing were installed throughout and the project also makes extensive use of LED lighting.

Now that the new terminal has been completed the East terminal will be decommissioned and demolished. “The new Tom Bradley International Terminal is a new gateway for LA,” said Fentress Architects chairman and founder Curtis W. Fentress. “The architecture was inspired by the people and geography of LA, but the functionality was inspired by LA’s economic needs.”

+ Fentress Architects

Images © Jason A. Knowles/Fentress Architects