Woods Bagot Completes New LAX Terminal: Modern Airport Design

Woods Bagot, W.E. O’Neil Construction, and Buro Happold. The team focused on speed, efficiency, and a strong architectural identity.

A modular construction approach was used to accelerate delivery. The result is a modern, light-filled concourse that reflects LAX’s evolving character.

Project scope and strategic significance

MSC South expands the airport’s midfield area to accommodate growing demand for travel. The eight new gates increase TBIT capacity without expanding the main terminal footprint.

This is important as LAX prepares for the 2028 Games. To meet tight timelines and reduce costs, the team used a prefabrication strategy.

Large building segments were manufactured offsite, transported nearly two miles, and assembled on site. This approach reflects a growing industry shift toward modular construction in complex aviation environments.

Architectural language and facade strategy

The design of MSC South emphasizes clear lines and framed views, inspired by California Case Study Houses and Californian modernism. The concourse features a streamlined, light-filled space where exterior and interior elements work together to improve the passenger experience.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing brings in natural light, while an angled brise-soleil shades the facade and reduces glare. The brise-soleil uses diagonal slat lengths, visually dividing each section into shaded upper halves and exposed-glass lower halves.

Inside, a ceiling of horizontal slats works with window mullions and the brise-soleil to create a dynamic texture and frame outward views. This layered design keeps the interior comfortable and visually connected to the airfield.

• Eight new gates to expand TBIT capacity and support peak operations.
• Prefabricated elements produced offsite to speed up construction and reduce on-site disruption.
• Segments transported nearly two miles for on-site assembly and efficiency.
• Exterior floor-to-ceiling glazing combined with a functional brise-soleil to manage daylight and glare.
• Facade defined by diagonal slat variation for shaded and exposed zones, with interior textures from ceiling slats and mullions.
• California modernism influences the rectilinear design and framed vistas.
• LEED Silver certification target as part of a sustainability strategy.

Constructability and sustainability strategies

The MSC South team shows how modular construction fits into busy airport projects without sacrificing performance or appearance. Offsite manufacturing shortens on-site build time and helps manage logistics around active airfield operations.

The use of prefabricated segments and careful planning supports budget control and schedule adherence. The project also aims for LEED Silver certification, with glazing and shading devices that reduce cooling needs and glare while keeping interiors bright.

The collaboration among Woods Bagot, O’Neil, and Buro Happold demonstrates an integrated approach to delivering complex aviation infrastructure on time and within budget.

Broader context: LAX modernization and the Olympic horizon

MSC South is part of a larger program of improvements at LAX. These efforts aim to enhance capacity, resilience, and the passenger experience.

The project uses a modernist, frame-focused design. It also relies on practical, offsite construction methods to help create a unified airport identity.

As Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, MSC South serves as a model for blending design excellence with engineering practicality. The terminal is efficient and resilient, while also reflecting regional design heritage and current aviation needs.

 
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