Los Angeles, California, USA

Grimshaw, together with Gruen Associates, is designing the $500-million Airport Metro Connector [AMC] which will link the forthcoming Automated People Mover at Los Angeles International Airport [LAX] to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s light rail system and associated bus terminals at Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street.

The project, part of the wider Landside Access Modernisation Program underway at the airport, will create a fully intermodal facility and a new point of arrival into the city.

The LAX/Metro Transit Center will offer a convenient way to link to the airport while connecting to the larger regional transportation network.

As a key transit connection, the Transit Center will facilitate the transfer of two light rail lines, multiple local and regional bus routes, shuttles, automobiles, bicycles and pedestrians to LAWA’s future Airport People Mover (APM) and Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility (CONRAC).

The project addresses the interconnectivity, operations and ridership requirements, as well as pedestrian and vehicular flows within a sustainable, innovative and sensible design that plans for the future.

The architects intend to create a beautiful, iconic, and vibrant place for all users that responds to Los Angeles’ history and culture, and enhances the district’s identity—using landscaping, lighting, plaza materials, and other design elements that integrate with the overall architectural concepts.

Safety, cleanliness, and long-term maintenance needs are essential to the design and sustainable landscaping is essential to the success of this transit project.

This addition to the mobility landscape of Los Angeles will make it easier to arrive and depart the airport and to navigate the surrounding neighborhoods across transit modes. In addition to connecting the airport’s new people mover system with Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX and Green Lines, the station will also accommodate bicycle parking, a bus plaza and a vehicle drop-off for the 9.5- acre site.

“Grimshaw is thrilled to bring this transformative addition to LA’s mobility landscape that will make it easier to arrive and depart the airport, and to navigate the surrounding neighborhoods, no matter what your mode of transit,” states Andrew Byrne, Principal, Grimshaw, Los Angeles.

“The Airport Metro Connector will play a vital role in reducing dependence on the private vehicle to access the often-congested LAX airport. This is a hugely exciting project that embodies L.A.’s ambition for its public transit of the future.”

The project will achieve LEED Gold upon construction completion.

Due for completion in 2023, the new transit hub will play a vital role in reducing dependence on the private vehicle to access the often-congested airport.

Architects: Grimshaw Architects
Architects of Record: Gruen Associates
Client: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority