The City of Los Angeles is celebrating the 25th anniversary of one of its brightest landmarks: The Gateway Columns at LAX, Los Angeles International Airport.
Ask any of the 88 million people who travel through LAX per year, whether visiting LA or returning home from their journey, they will fondly recall their experience of this magnificent landmark. Through triumphs and challenges of the past, as well as aspirations of the future, this enduring artwork remains a touchstone of the spirit of Los Angeles and its people.
The origins of the gateway were born out of a desire to welcome the participants for the 2000 Democratic National Convention held in Los Angeles. To accomplish this mission, the Los Angeles International Airport launched a beautification initiative intended to upgrade the visitor experience at the airport, as it is a main point of entry into the city, state and nation. Among the team selected to this task, were Cliff Selbert and Robin Perkins of branding, wayfinding and placemaking firm, Selbert Perkins Design.
Among the first contributions they made was in crafting the project’s mission statement:
“The Mission of the LAX Beautification Enhancements Team is to develop and implement a plan through the use of architecture, graphics, landscape design, lighting, and art that will greatly improve the function, circulation, and wayfinding of this international gateway. The design will be inspired by the unique culture, energy, diversity, vision, and excitement of the LA experience. Our work will transform a public facility into a landmark our city can be proud of.”
Cliff and Robin noticed that although LAX is an essential gateway into the city of Los Angeles, it was missing an actual gateway: a prominent entrance landmark that marks the transition into the city. Therefore they conceived of, and designed an official gateway, celebrating the energy, diversity, and unity of Los Angeles.
More than fulfilling its initial promise, with its dramatic 32’ high LAX letters, and 15 columns ranging in height from 25 to 80 feet, increasing in length along Century boulevard; culminating in a ring of 15, 100-foot-tall pylons. These pylons serve as a symbolic gateway to the airport, the City of Los Angeles, the state of California and the United States of America, welcoming visitors from all over the world. The pylons come alive at night with a varying array of 16 million colors, creating the world’s largest light display and reflecting the diversity and spirit of Los Angeles.
From the notion of a beatification project, was born an icon for the ages.
As we celebrate the LAX Gateway’s first 25 years, we anticipate its positive effect upon Los Angeles and the world for the next 25… welcoming the athletes and spectators of the 2028 Olympic Games and beyond, beaming its message of welcome to the world.
Selbert Perkins Design is delighted to have created this beloved and magical landmark, which continues to shine its beacon of light, its message of hope, and gateway to Los Angeles, to the world.
