LOS ANGELES BUSINESS COUNCIL SELECTS GATEWAY LAX PROJECT FOR DESIGN HONOR IN 31ST ANNUAL ARCHITECTURAL AWARDS
(Los Angeles, California -- April 10, 2001) The LAX Gateway Project, which brought a new landmark for Los Angeles, has received a Kaufman and Broad Award for Public/Civic Architectural Project from the Los Angeles Business Council. The award recognizes outstanding contribution to the ongoing beautification of the Los Angeles community.
The Gateway LAX Project included a 32-foot-high LAX sign located at Century Boulevard, 16 variable height pylons constructed in the median of Century Boulevard, and 15 100-foot-high pylons located at the intersection of Century and Sepulveda Boulevards.
"This is thrilling to be recognized as a successful community architectural project. The sign and pylons are being recognized by many as the first of many positive steps taken by Los Angeles World Airports to transform LAX into a landmark for the City of Los Angeles," said Lydia H. Kennard, Los Angeles World Airports executive director. "This project was a collaborative vision, and I am proud that we have been able to create a lasting impression for our visitors that will light up our skies for generations to come."
The pylons -- distinctive architectural structures that consist of structural steel support frames encased in a layer of translucent, tempered glass -- are part of an overall design developed by a team headed by the architectural firm of Ted Tokio Tanaka, based in Marina del Rey. The 15 pylons located at the intersection of Century and Sepulveda Boulevards are 12 feet in diameter and form a ring, while those constructed on the Century Boulevard median from Aviation to Sepulveda Boulevards are six feet in diameter and range in height from 25 to 60 feet to guide passengers to LAX. These pylons are lit at night in various colors and pattern.
"One of the most important goals in all my work is for the design to tell the story of the project. For the Gateway LAX Project, aviation is an important theme, and therefore, the pylons mimic the takeoff pattern of an airplane," said Tanaka. "In addition, as the gateway to the Pacific Rim, as well as to the City of Los Angeles, the colored pylons represent our diverse culture."
In addition to the pylons, other major elements of the $112-million Gateway LAX Enhancement Project include an overhaul of the signage and graphics identifying airport terminals, airlines, parking and roadways; improvements to pedestrian walkways and sidewalks within the airport and in new greenbelts extending to and along Century Boulevard; lighting enhancements that make signage easier to see and that draw attention to architectural improvements, artwork and landscaping; a new Upper/Departures Level canopy connecting all terminals; a new, clearer sounding public address system on the Lower/Arrivals Level; new landscaping and vegetation that provide shade and greenery from numerous vantage points; and public art installations reflecting the local artistry of a multicultural city.
The Los Angeles Business Council introduced the Annual Architectural Awards program 31 years ago to inspire the community to utilize architectural projects to enhance the urban fabric of Los Angeles. Approximately 90 architectural firms competed in the 31st Annual Architectural Awards.
The Los Angeles Business Council is a non-profit organization comprised of the top business executives from the greater Los Angeles area. The organization, which began in 1930, serves as a proactive advocate of business interests, using its influential members as resources and allies.
(GLG - 4/9/01)
