ARCH TOUR FEST: LAX/ Metro Transit Center

Photo Credit: Jason O’Rear Photography

ARCH TOUR FEST: LAX/ Metro Transit Center

Metro’s LAX/Metro Transit Center is a transformative new gateway to one of the world’s busiest airports. Designed to handle nearly 46,000 daily boardings, the ~500,000-square-foot facility seamlessly connects Metro’s C and K Lines, a 16-bay bus plaza, and a bike hub, while also linking to Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) future Automated People Mover—providing airport access without relying on a car.

Tour Led by:

Janet Yoon, AIA, LEED AP, Associate Principal, Grimshaw

Janet Yoon, AIA, LEED AP is an Associate Principal at Grimshaw’s Los Angeles Studio, where she leads complex, high-performance projects that reflect the firm’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and human-centered design. With over 20 years of experience across transportation, technology, education, and commercial sectors, Janet brings a balance of creative vision and technical expertise to every project.

At Grimshaw, Janet serves as Project Manager for the recently completed LAX Metro Transit Center, a pivotal multimodal hub that enhances regional connectivity and access to public transit throughout Los Angeles. She is also leading the East End Studios ADLA project—a transformative 14.4-acre creative campus featuring 16 sound stages, two office buildings, and more than 675,000 square feet of space designed to foster collaboration and revitalization within the community.

A graduate of UC Berkeley and the University of Michigan, Janet has built a career around designing environments that empower people and promote social equity. Her work is guided by a belief that thoughtful design can empower people, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact.

Debra Gerod, FAIA, LEED AP – Partner, Gruen Associates

Debra Gerod, FAIA, LEED AP, joined Gruen Associates in 1988 and was made a partner in 2002. Debra’s specialty is the collaborative design and delivery of complex, public-use projects. Projects have included event centers, performing arts venues, offices, museums, libraries, courthouses, embassies, transportation projects, parks and streetscapes.

Amongst Debra’s recent projects are the recently opened LAX/Metro Transit Center, a new multi-modal station providing transit to the airport, the Audrey Irmas Pavilion at Wilshire Boulevard Temple and the renovation of the historic Tower Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Current projects include the renovation of the historic Pasadena Central Library and the Reimagination of the La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum.

Debra is a Regent for the California Architectural Foundation (CAF) and served as the 2020 President for AIA|California and 2016 President of AIA|Los Angeles. Debra volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and Heal the Bay and was a long-time board member for the ACE Mentor Program of Los Angeles. Debra was elevated to a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2013 and is the recipient of AIA|Los Angeles’ 2024 Gold Medal, the highest individual honor bestowed by the Chapter.

Architect: Gruen Associates/ Grimshaw

Building Credits: 

GC – Alpha Construction

Design Architect: Grimshaw
Executive Architect: Gruen Associates
Contractor: Tutor Perini Corp.

Other Consultants
Landscape: Gruen Associates
Structural: Arup and JCE Structural
Façade: Arup
Fire & Life Safety: Arup
Acoustics/AV/IT/Security: Arup
Lighting: Arup
M/E/P: Lam + Tea Engineering
Civil: Mott MacDonald, BA Inc., DRC and FPL
Traffic: Fehr & Peers
Geotechnical: Diaz Yourman & Associates
Surveyor: Coast Survey
Vertical Transportation: Syska Hennessy Group
Pedestrian Flow Modelling: Arup
Environmental Graphics: SKA Design
Sustainability: Arup
Safety: Soteria Company
Irrigation: Sweeney Associates
Community Outreach: The Robert Group
Cost Estimating: Lenax
Specifications: Bobby Knox Architect
Animations: Kilograph

AIA CES: 1.0 LU Approved

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will gain insight into the conceptual design approach for the project through an overview of the site and project goals; understand how functional requirements, including multimodal connections, informed the design approach; and explore the design intent behind the flowing canopy and sculptural roof forms.

2. Participants will discuss material choices, structural approach, and architectural detailing; review the use of exposed steel, glass, concrete, and cladding materials; explore structural strategies, including long-span canopies and column placement; and observe detailing in roof connections, glazing systems, and finishes.

3. Participants will explore integration with the urban and transportation context; understand connections to LAX terminals, busways, and regional rail; examine pedestrian and bicycle circulation, drop-off zones, and overall site planning; and evaluate how the design responds to and enhances the surrounding urban fabric.

4. Participants will evaluate spatial experience, circulation, and user-focused design; observe natural light, sightlines, and intuitive wayfinding as they walk through concourse and platform areas; discuss passenger and cyclist flow, accessibility, and comfort within public spaces; and identify signature aesthetic features such as canopy geometry and public seating.

• Q&A

Parking

We encourage visitors to use public transportation to access the site. Limited street parking may be available nearby.

Meet Up Spot

Meet your tour leaders under the large LAX/Metro Transit Center signage.  Visitors arriving by Metro can look for the hanging art installation from the Metro Hub when exiting the station towards the right. Them take the escalators down to the drop-off/kiss-and-ride zone.