The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) recently celebrated the official opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center station, a significant milestone in its ambitious infrastructure project, Twenty-Eight by ’28. This initiative aims to enhance the region’s transit system in preparation for major global events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LVI, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The new station, located at Aviation Blvd./96th St., represents a critical connection point within Metro’s network, linking the C and K rail lines, six Metro bus lines, and eight municipal bus lines.
The station’s design features a large-scale open concept with continuous swooping canopies, guiding travelers through expansive spaces. This state-of-the-art transit hub also provides access to buses, light rail trains, and the soon-to-be-opened Los Angeles World Airports Automated People Mover. As Metro continues to expand its services, the LAX/Metro Transit Center stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to sustainable urban planning, featuring energy-efficient lighting and landscaping with native plants.
Artistic Vision: Glenn Kaino’s “The Distance of the Sun”
At the heart of the new station is a striking piece of art by Los Angeles native Glenn Kaino. Commissioned by Metro Art, Kaino’s installation, titled “The Distance of the Sun,” is a suspended sculpture that captures the imagination with its unique design. The artwork consists of a series of vessels for travel, both real and imagined, arranged in a spiral pathway that leads the viewer’s gaze skyward. This installation is a meditation on collective ambitions and shared hopes, serving as a bridge to the future built upon the designs of the past.
Selected through a competitive process involving a panel of LA-based arts professionals, Kaino was chosen from a pool of 44 artists. His work draws inspiration from writer Italo Calvino’s short story “The Distance to the Moon,” which explores themes of connectivity and separation. Kaino explains,
“This particular artwork comes from the vein of connectivity. Two stories collided together to make it become a sculpture.”
From Concept to Creation: A Collaborative Effort
The creation of “The Distance of the Sun” was a collaborative effort, involving renowned origami master Robert Lang. Known for his work with NASA, Lang specializes in transforming one-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional objects. This partnership brought a unique perspective to the sculpture, which features a series of ships metaphorically building a ladder to touch the sun. The installation evokes memories of cultural pasts, childhood dreams, and the timeless human fascination with space exploration.
Kaino reflects on the significance of the artwork and the station itself, stating,
“That building and that moment represent one of the highest moments of collision of demographics around the city and will likely represent that for many decades to come.”
The station is a convergence point for travelers from various backgrounds, symbolizing the diverse tapestry of Los Angeles.
Implications for the Future
The opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center is a pivotal moment for Los Angeles, as the city prepares to host some of the world’s most prestigious events. The station not only enhances connectivity but also embodies Metro’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development. With features like a bus plaza, bike hub, and customer service center, the station is designed to accommodate future growth and evolving transit needs.
As Los Angeles continues to expand its infrastructure, the integration of art and functionality at the LAX/Metro Transit Center sets a precedent for future projects. The station’s blend of innovative design and artistic expression offers a glimpse into the potential of urban spaces to inspire and connect communities.
Looking ahead, Metro plans to further develop its transit network, ensuring that Los Angeles remains a leader in sustainable transportation solutions. The collaboration between artists, engineers, and urban planners at the LAX/Metro Transit Center exemplifies the power of creative partnerships in shaping the future of cities.
