Welcome to L.A.! Distinctive metal mesh ceiling in the new LAX Metro Transit Center

GKD Architectural mesh for challenging projects

As one of the most dynamic cities in the world, Los Angeles attracts people from near and far. The city enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide for its culture and entertainment industry. Unfortunately, it is also known for its poor transportation infrastructure. To solve this problem, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) allocated nearly $1 billion for a new central transportation hub.

The result is the LAX Metro Transit Center, which opened in 2025 in the immediate vicinity of the international airport. The station connects the airport, metro network, and bus lines and features two large, ribbon-like ceilings which are completely clad with 1,400 individually cut panels from GKD.

Architectural task and project context

The design by Grimshaw, Gruen Associates, and Arup aimed for a durable, robust construction that would withstand the demands of a multimodal transport system in the long term. The station is designed for more than 45,000 daily passengers and has requirements for air quality, acoustics, and sustainable infrastructure. The schedule was also crucial, as the project had to be aligned with the city’s ambitious infrastructure initiative for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Metal mesh characterizes the new ceiling surfaces

Omega 1520 PC stainless steel mesh was used for the spacious ceiling surfaces. “The mesh elegantly conceals the cables and pipes that are necessary for a modern transport station,” explains Maya White-Turre, Senior Associate at Gruen Associates architects. “The 50 percent open mesh proved to be an effective solution for keeping the technical complexity of the infrastructure above sufficiently visible and thus maintaining the effect of classic train stations.” The open surface also contributes to sound absorption and reduces reverberation times at the site.

A key innovation was the decision to use Omega 1520 PC, a rigid mesh, instead of the originally specified flexible Omega 1520. “The advantage is that Omega 1520 PC eliminates the need for tensioning devices at both ends. This reduces the stress on the structure,” says Andy Franks, project manager at GKD. With over 60% recycled material, Omega 1520 PC supports the project’s sustainability goals and helped achieve LEED Gold certification. The T316L stainless steel alloy is also essential for withstanding the challenging maritime climate in the long term.

Implementation and technical features

Between 2018 and 2024, GKD manufactured around 1,400 individually tailored panels that precisely follow the complex geometries of the two roof bands. Production met the strict certification requirements of the State of California. Installation was carried out in close coordination with various trades to ensure that the flowing shapes were implemented precisely.

The LAX Metro Transit Center is an essential component of the city’s mobility strategy and demonstrates how design quality, technical robustness, and sustainable material selection contribute to a long-term functional and stress-free transportation space for commuters. The metal mesh ceilings blend permanently into this overall picture and support the claim of a durable, clearly structured transportation hub.

To the project overview LAX Metro Transit Center