Los Angeles International Airport, Tom Bradley Terminal

The primary goal of Fentress Studios, a Populous Company, for the modernization of Tom Bradley International Terminal (aka “Bradley West”) was to transform what had been one of America’s least popular terminals into a representation of the soul of L.A. with its diverse culture, endless sun, reputation as a global hub for entertainment and a city that changes and reinvents almost daily.  This would translate into an exciting passenger experience, an opportunity to increase non-airline revenue and reduce the facility’s environmental impact.  

The design of the terminal’s rhythmic roofline evokes the undulating and endless waves of the Pacific Ocean, the greatest attraction of Southern California. Expansive glass walls and light colored interiors along with clerestory windows let in the natural light but also mitigate heat gain by reducing the glare from the ocean. 

The Great Hall features soaring vaulted 110ft. ceilings that create a dramatic feeling, perfect for the birthplace of movies. Arriving passengers pass through the terminal on an elevated walkway that’s bathed in natural light. Departures are augmented by digital art that melds architecture, art and technology.

The new terminal now accommodates 1,700 more travelers per hour, allowing it to serve a total of 4,500 travelers per hour. Despite doubling in size, the average time it takes to walk from airside to curbside has been reduced to just 20 minutes, significantly improving convenience and efficiency.

Non-airline revenue has exploded with more than 60 food and beverage units and stores, some with traditional travel amenities, others are a high-end shoppers delight. Legendary LA brands such as Fred Segal and Kitson offers the SoCal vibe to global travelers eager to show off their style at home. 

The terminal’s design captures the vibrant geography of Los Angeles while delivering enhanced functionality. This combination elevates the international travel experience at LAX, imbuing it with a renewed sense of glamour. Every aspect of the journey—whether airside or curbside—has been carefully crafted to exceed the expectations of travelers, airport administrators, staff, and the surrounding community. The new terminal has already won over 20 architectural design awards and is expected to become a new iconic structure for Los Angeles, joining the iconic and timeless LAX Theme Building and its parabolic arches.