At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the Midfield Satellite Concourse South emerges as one of the most forward-thinking aviation developments in the United States. Designed by Woods Bagot Studio California, the project reflects a new approach to capacity, experience, and construction innovation.
As an extension of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, MSC South introduces nearly 150,000 square feet of new space and eight additional gates for narrowbody aircraft. The expansion marks a clear shift toward increased capacity and smoother operations, enabling the airport to respond more flexibly to growing passenger demand.
Blends Indoors and Outdoors with Southern California Light
MSC South is designed to dissolve the boundary between inside and outside through a light-driven approach that captures Southern California’s distinct atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels open up expansive views, while the exterior façade integrates an angled, performance-driven brise soleil that reduces glare and solar radiation. This system allows natural light to shape the spatial experience, making the concourse feel less like a sealed terminal and more like a breathable, open environment connected to its surroundings.
Pays Homage to Los Angeles Through a Distinct Architectural Identity
The project by Woods Bagot reflects the character of Los Angeles, embedding local architectural narratives into its design language. The brise-soleil system emerges as a defining feature and a framing device for curated views of the surrounding landscape. Influences from the city’s modernist homes are evident, giving the concourse a strong sense of place and anchoring it within its urban context.
MSC South also draws inspiration from the iconic Case Study Houses, translating residential modernism into an aviation setting. A sense of domestic comfort is expressed through the scale, proportions, and openness of the interiors, where clean lines, fluid layouts, and a strong connection to the outdoors redefine the experience of a terminal space.
Prioritizes Passenger Comfort and Well-Being
Inside MSC South, the focus shifts toward human experience and well-being. The airport design and interiors are designed to feel more like a domestic environment and not just a traditional airport concourse. Visually open and naturally lit spaces help reduce stress while enhancing comfort and clarity of movement. The design addresses the fatigue typically associated with air travel, offering a calmer and more intuitive journey.
Uses Offsite Construction and Relocation Method
MSC South introduces a transformative Offsite Construction and Relocation (OCR) approach for this large-scale infrastructure project.
Construction of LAX began in early 2024, with nine modular segments built offsite near the airport’s northern runways, approximately 1.75 miles from the final installation point, allowing uninterrupted airfield operations. Each prefabricated segment was transported overnight using advanced self-propelled modular transporters by Mammoet, with carefully scheduled runway closures ensuring safety and minimal disruption.
The modules for LAX were then assembled on-site into a fully functional concourse, accelerating timelines while minimizing operational impact. The structure incorporates demountable seismic joints and a highly coordinated utility system, allowing flexibility in design and long-term adaptability. This approach ensures the building can be disassembled and relocated in the future if required, making it a forward-thinking and sustainable solution for evolving airport needs.
The project integrates modular construction, improved passenger flow, and community-conscious design. With a target of LEED Silver, it reflects a strong commitment to environmental performance while supporting long-term operational efficiency.
Design Architect: Woods Bagot Los Angeles
Photography: Jason O’Rear
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