The event was designed to showcase the architecture, dining and retail, gates, passenger facilities, public art and other features of the TBIT ahead of its completion by late 2013. Designed by Fentress Architects, the new terminal features a distinctive wave-like design inspired by the waves of the Pacific Ocean along LA’s coastline.
TBIT will offer an advanced level of comfort and convenience with 18 new aircraft boarding gates, half of which can accommodate the larger, new-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A-380 and Boeing 747-8. The fully modernised facility will be able to accommodate 4,500 passengers per hour, which is nearly double the current level.
Boarding gates and waiting areas will be roomier with half of the seats integrated with electrical outlets for charging personal electronic devices. Dual and triple passenger loading bridges will be featured that will offer faster boarding and de-planing. Other amenities include airline lounges; a children’s play area; luxury spa services; and an Integrated Environmental Media System, a series of seven public art installations.
The Dining & Shopping options of the new terminal would be mostly located at the South Concourse aircraft gate areas. A 150,000 square-foot Great Hall will be featured, which will offer international passengers more than 60 premier dining and luxury shops including 22 local Los Angeles brands. With soaring 110 feet tall ceilings, the Great Hall is filled with abundant natural sunlight. Its aluminum roof arches over the open, spacious, column-free structure, which creates a single, cohesive, architectural theme that unifies the entire terminal, inside and out.
Terminal concessions manager Westfield and its partners are investing $80 million for a world-class traveler experience at the new TBIT. Featuring 360-degree views, inviting storefronts and sustainable elements, the Westfield dining collection features 31 new options ranging from luxury white-tablecloth dining to healthy and fresh sit-down, to grab ‘n go. It will feature sophisticated architecture, cooking demonstrations, and will highlight the local restaurants of LA-based celebrity chefs, including “Top Chef” Michael Voltaggio, Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken, Suzanne Goin and others.
