If you have been to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the past several years, you might have noticed a series of tall semi transparent tubes positioned around the LAX entrance and along Century Boulevard. The project, titled "Untitled", is a Kinetic Light Installation. It was created in the year 2000 (and updated in 2006). Some also call it the "LAX Gateway Pylon Project" which really does not do it for me. The viewing experience is most impressive when they are illuminated and, of course, most spectacular at night. The color changes periodically inside the tubes creating a most unusual spectacle of hues. There has been an array of stories praising and condemning this installation since its inception. I personally think it is wonderful. It gives a bit of splendor to the otherwise plain surrounding area.


As with many large projects many individuals and organizations contributed to the final success of the undertaking. Ted Tokio Tanaka Architects provided the initial design. The LAX beautification project included a series of projects, one being the LAX Gateway Pylon Project. The inspirations for the layout and the concept were drawn from many sources: pylons amidst the palms are to remind us of columns in ancient temples and lush palm gardens, the Gateway Circle of the mystery of Stonehenge, illuminated towers of the "Hollywood" glitter and the color display of the richness of cultural heritage of the city of Angels. When I learned of this (on the architect's site) it totally made sense. Drawing from a variety of ideas to create a new landmark for the city. The light effects display was designed by artist Paul Tzanetopoulos. Ongoing maintenance is provided by Los Angeles World Airport's (LAWA's) Construction and Maintenance Division.

The translucent pylons are positioned in the middle of the street, starting approximately one and a half miles East of LAX. They are interspersed with two rows of tall palm trees. When visitors arrive to LA, the palm lined Century Boulevard welcomes them to Southern California in a most appropriate way. As you drive down Century Boulevard towards the airport, The Kinetic Light Installation is supposed to give an impression of an aircraft take off. They start small and then increase in size as you approach the air terminals. The installation terminates with a large circle (Gateway Circle) made of the 100ft pylons at the airport entrance's LAX sign (East Entry). The lights are supposedly visible from the air, but I have never thought of looking down to try to see them. I probably should, perhaps after take off when some airplanes turn around to head East and offer this opportunity.

Originally, stage lighting was used to illuminate the tubes. In a very conscious move, the airport authorities decided in 2006 to replace these with LED lights conserving large amounts of energy and saving a ton of money too. Longer lasting LED lights also require much less maintenance. They can also add to the beauty of the display by circling though various hues on demand.

The convenient thing about this public art project is that most visitors will see it immediately upon arrival to Los Angeles. As mentioned before, the experience will be amplified at night when the color changes bring oohs and aahs of passers by. It is notable that to commemorate the 9/11 events, on several special occasions, the pylons displayed the red, white and blue colors of the US flag. Nice.

Being familiar with the LAX area before and after the beautification project, I can attest that the makeover was a success. The implemented ideas definitely added character and made it more pleasing and enjoyable to visit part of town. I wish that more public places would consider installing art projects on their premises. A bit of cultural enlightenment is always welcome ... and, after all, who does not like shiny light thingies that change colors ...

Sites that made this article possible:
Los Angeles World Airports
http://www.lawa.org/lax/laxpylons.cfm
Ted Tokio Tanaka Architects
http://www.ttta.com/
Paul Tzanetopoulos Studio
http://www.tzap-art.com/LAX.html/HomeLink.html
Color Kinetics LEDs
http://www.colorkinetics.com/corp/news/pr/releases/2006-09-11_lax.html