LAX - Upgrade - Paul Tzanetopoulos

Facts Block
Title
LAX Pylon Project Upgrade by Paul Tzanetopoulos
Year
2006
Location
Los Angeles International Airport  Century Boulevard and the Century/Sepulveda Boulevard Exchange,  Los Angeles, California, USA
Dimensions
1.5 mile span of 26 illuminated pylons 11 pylons, 6’ diameter, ranging from 25’ to 60’ on Century Blvd. and 15 pylons, 12’ diameter, 100’ high at the intersection of Century Boulevard & Sepulveda Boulevard
Media
Translucent glass, computer-driven kinetic light display
Commissioned By
Los Angeles World Airports, for Los Angeles International Airport

Description

In 2006, the lighting technology was updated and upgraded to an additive LED lighting system. This system allowed for a higher level of energy efficiency, significantly reducing the overall cost of running the piece while improving its longevity and maintenance factors. Another benefit was the LED’s ability to provide better light diffusion and add to the original desired overall look. Over 1,800 new lighting instruments brought a new color palette to the piece that required an adaptation of the original work, in order to maintain its scope and spirit. The original installation was rooted in my long- standing work with cultural patterns and colors (saturated hues derived from ethnic textiles, flags, and regional art forms).

For the 2006 re-installation, I found it easy to utilize Los Angeles’ rich cultural diversity in a slightly different manner. These cultural cues ranged to a slightly more pastel and atmospheric quality. These qualities fit both the piece’s conceptual design and the specific virtues of the new technology. The adjusted color palette did not substantially affect the geometry and choreography of the original installation.

The 2006 display was made possible after a technological upgrade to the Gateway Pylon lighting system utilizing contemporary LED technology. After being dark for several months during upgrade, the original public art kinetic light installation returned on December 5 2006. On December 20 2006 Los Angeles World Airports displayed its own “Holiday Light Program” within the pylons, then other programs designed by airport personnel. The original kinetic light program was reinstated 11/02/07.

LAX 2006 DESIGN TEAM
(partial list)
Color Kinetics, Incorporated  (Chromacore technology, ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixtures)
Los Angeles World Airports Maintenance Department
Artist: Paul Tzanetopoulos
 Programmer: David Smith, ETC West