LAX built new concourse outside airport to save $30 million

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has opened its new Midfield Satellite Concourse South, a project that utilized an offsite, modular construction strategy to overcome the complexities of building at a busy airport. Designed by Woods Bagot, the concourse was constructed in segments away from its final location.

The strategy involved designating a construction site approximately 1.75 miles from the concourse's intended placement, allowing work to proceed without disrupting the airport's flight schedule. "It was always the intent from the beginning that this was going to be a new methodology for delivering this type of project," said Matt Ducharme, Woods Bagot's North America design director. "It saved six months and $30 million because we had this process."

Operating the jobsite outside the airport's secure perimeter also reduced stringent contracting and insurance requirements. This allowed smaller, local builders to participate, with over 30% of the construction workforce sourced from local companies, a higher percentage than typical for such projects.

The 150,000-square-foot concourse adds eight gates to LAX's international terminal. Its design incorporates features to manage Southern California's sunlight and reduce energy consumption. The modular segments were built with weight considerations for transport, and the overall design allows for potential future relocation or repurposing.