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Theme Building

The Theme Building is an iconic Space Age landmark at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Westchester, Los Angeles, California, characterized by its futuristic design of four intersecting parabolic arches rising 135 feet to support a central, saucer-shaped dome that evokes a "flying saucer" resting on slender legs.^[1]^[2] Completed in August 1961 as part of a $50 million Jet Age terminal expansion, the structure was envisioned as a symbolic centerpiece for the airport, reflecting mid-20th-century optimism about aviation and space exploration through its Googie-style elements, including sweeping curves and lightweight steel forms.^[1]^[3]^[2] Designed collaboratively by the architectural firms of Pereira & Luckman (led by William L. Pereira and Charles Luckman), Welton Becket & Associates, and Paul R. Williams—who contributed as the first African American architect to design for LAX—the building utilized 900 tons of steel, with 348 tons forming the arches, and was constructed by Robert E. McKee, Inc., at a cost of $2.2 million from April 1960 to August 1961.^[1]^[3] Originally housing a rotating restaurant that opened on June 25, 1961, with Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson in attendance, the Theme Building quickly became a defining symbol of LAX and influenced popular culture, including animations like The Jetsons.^[3] Designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument (#570) by the City Council on December 18, 1992, it underscores the era's innovative use of modern materials to create aerodynamic, optimistic public architecture.^[1]^[3] Following seismic retrofitting and a $12.3 million renovation from 2007 to 2010—which included façade reconstruction and earned awards from the California Preservation Foundation—the building now primarily houses the Bob Hope USO center and LAX Guest Services, with its original Encounter restaurant closing in 2013.^[1]^[3] As LAX undergoes ongoing modernization, including the nearby Automated People Mover set for completion in 2026, the Theme Building remains a preserved emblem of mid-century modernism and central to the airport's identity as a global gateway handling 76.6 million passengers in 2024.^[1]^[4]

Architecture and Design

Design Concept and Influences

The Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) originated as part of a visionary master plan developed by the architectural firm Pereira and Luckman in 1959, aiming to create a central landmark that would serve as an orienting hub amid the airport's expanding terminals.^[5] The design was led by Gin D. Wong, who supervised a collaborative team within the firm to evolve the concept from an initial enormous glass dome—intended to enclose all terminals and parking structures—into the iconic structure's more symbolic form, featuring a disc-shaped restaurant suspended between intersecting parabolic arches.^[6] This evolution emphasized passenger orientation and a sense of arrival, transforming the building into a futuristic beacon that captured the era's optimism about air travel.^[7] Stylistically, the Theme Building drew heavily from mid-century modern architecture, infused with Googie and Space Age influences that evoked the sleek optimism of the atomic era and the dawn of the jet age.^[5] Its flying saucer-like silhouette, with sweeping arches reminiscent of spacecraft, symbolized progress in aviation and reflected Southern California's car culture and fascination with futurism, blending whimsical fantasy elements inspired by figures like Walt Disney and former movie set designer William L. Pereira.^[6] These inspirations positioned the building as a monument to technological advancement, aligning with the postwar American dream of boundless exploration.^[8] The project involved key contributions from African American architect Paul R. Williams, who focused on interior elements, and Welton Becket & Associates, responsible for landscape integration and overall execution, in a joint venture with Pereira and Luckman.^[1] Common misconceptions attribute the design solely to William Pereira, but it was a firm-wide collaborative effort under Wong's leadership, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the airport's redevelopment.^[9]

Structural Features

The Theme Building's iconic silhouette is defined by a four-legged base that supports four intersecting parabolic arches, each rising 135 feet tall and constructed from steel weighing a total of 348 tons for the arches and their horizontal legs. These arches, fabricated by Kaiser Steel and clad in white stucco, span approximately 340 feet between legs, creating a dramatic, open framework that eliminates the need for additional exterior supports. The steel elements include tension and compression rings, with the overall structure utilizing about 900 tons of steel for stability and load distribution.^[1]^[6] At the intersection of the arches sits the central pod, a disc-shaped enclosure suspended roughly 60 feet above the ground, which houses the restaurant and observation deck spanning 8,000 square feet. This pod is supported exclusively by the arches, enabling a column-free interior space below and contributing to the building's futuristic, floating appearance. The base features a reinforced concrete core, 85 feet high and 30 feet in diameter, that anchors the structure and includes elevators for access to the upper levels.^[1]^[6]^[3] Key engineering innovations include the pioneering use of these large-scale parabolic steel arches, the first of their kind, which provide lightweight yet robust support inspired by mid-century modern advancements in structural design. The total structure reaches 135 feet in height, with the concrete core and steel framework ensuring seismic resilience, as demonstrated in later retrofits. These elements reflect Space Age stylistic influences through their bold, aerodynamic forms.^[1]^[10]^[6] Strategically positioned in the central terminal area of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the Theme Building maximizes visibility from runways, taxiways, and approach roads, serving as a navigational and aesthetic landmark. Originally, the base was enclosed by a courtyard with a screen wall of decorative concrete blocks, enhancing its integration into the airport's expansive layout while maintaining an unobstructed footprint around the structure.^[7]^[6]

Interior and Aesthetic Elements

The interior of the Theme Building is organized around a central disc-shaped pod elevated approximately 60 feet above the ground, accessible via three passenger elevators and one freight elevator that connect the ground-level lobby to the upper levels.^[1]^[11] This layout provides a total interior space of approximately 8,000 square feet in the upper pod, encompassing the primary functional areas.^[1] At the core of the interior is the restaurant space, with an observation deck above it that originally featured extensive glass walls offering 360-degree panoramic views of the airport's runways and terminals, immersing visitors in the dynamic activity of air travel.^[6] The restaurant accommodated up to 300 diners in a circular configuration that enhanced the sense of motion and exploration, complete with starburst-patterned ceilings and metallic finishes that reinforced the building's futuristic motif.^[5]^[7] Aesthetic elements throughout the interior draw from mid-century Space Age design, including futuristic murals depicting aviation scenes, prominent chrome accents on fixtures and furniture, and indirect lighting that simulates the glow of spacecraft interiors. The original 1961 decor incorporated modular furniture for flexible seating and aviation-themed artwork, creating an immersive environment that celebrated the Jet Age. These features contribute to a color scheme contrasting the building's predominant white exterior with interior tones of silver, blue, and red accents, evoking a cosmic and optimistic atmosphere aligned with the Googie style.^[6]^[5]

History

Planning and Construction

The planning for the Theme Building originated in 1957 as part of Charles Luckman's broader expansion initiative for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to address the surging demands of jet-age air traffic, which required modernizing facilities to handle larger aircraft and increased passenger volumes.^[12] This effort built on earlier master plans dating back to 1953 by the firm Pereira & Luckman, but the 1957 phase focused on practical implementations like runway extensions and terminal developments.^[3] The Theme Building's distinctive design—featuring intersecting parabolic arches supporting a central "flying saucer" structure—was selected over alternative proposals, including a more expansive glass-domed central terminal, for its iconic, symbolic embodiment of mid-century futurism and space-age optimism, serving as a welcoming landmark for arriving travelers.^[7] Construction commenced with groundbreaking in April 1960 and reached completion in August 1961, spanning just over 16 months as part of the $50 million Los Angeles Jet Age Terminal Construction Project.^[1] The project cost $2.2 million.^[1] This timeline aligned with the airport's urgent need to expand capacity ahead of the 1960s aviation boom. Key participants included general contractor Robert E. McKee Inc., responsible for on-site execution, and the architectural and engineering firm Pereira & Luckman, which oversaw the design and incorporated seismic-resistant features to mitigate earthquake risks inherent to Southern California's geology, such as reinforced steel framing in the arches.^[1] Construction faced notable challenges, including coordination with simultaneous runway expansions that necessitated careful site logistics to avoid disruptions to ongoing airport operations.^[3] Additionally, erecting the curved arches required innovative formwork, utilizing temporary 80-foot support towers to hoist and position the 348 tons of structural steel without compromising the structure's elegant curves.^[1]

Opening and Initial Use

The Theme Building was officially dedicated on June 25, 1961, as part of the broader "Jet Age" expansion of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson presiding over the ceremony.^[13] This event highlighted the structure's role as the airport's symbolic welcome center, positioned at the heart of the new modular terminal layout to greet arriving passengers and visitors alike.^[14] The dedication underscored LAX's transformation into a modern aviation hub capable of handling the era's growing jet traffic, reflecting the optimism of the 1960s space-age boom.^[15] Upon opening, the building immediately served key public functions, including the non-revolving Theme Restaurant suspended 70 feet above ground level, which offered diners panoramic views of the runways, and an upper-level observation deck accessible for 50 cents per adult or 25 cents per child.^[5] These amenities were designed to enhance visitor experiences, integrating seamlessly with airport information desks and guided tours that showcased the facility's futuristic design.^[7] The observation deck capitalized on public fascination with aircraft operations amid the rapid expansion of commercial air travel.^[15] As LAX's central landmark, the Theme Building symbolized the airport's modernization efforts, bridging the satellite terminals through a network of covered pedestrian walkways and underground passageways equipped with moving sidewalks.^[16] This setup facilitated easy access for the public and passengers, positioning the structure as a focal point for both practical navigation and leisurely appreciation of the aviation spectacle.^[15]

Operational Changes Post-Opening

Following the opening of the Theme Building in 1961, its operational role evolved significantly over the subsequent decades, influenced by heightened security measures, fluctuating economic viability for public amenities, and broader transformations in airport infrastructure and passenger flow at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).^[5] A pivotal shift occurred in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when the observation deck was closed to the public for security reasons, reflecting nationwide aviation security enhancements implemented by federal authorities.^[17] This closure halted one of the building's primary visitor attractions, which had previously offered panoramic views of the airport's runways and terminals. The deck remained shuttered for nearly a decade until a comprehensive retrofit project addressed structural and safety concerns, culminating in a partial reopening on July 10, 2010, with access limited to weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at no charge.^[18] The $12.3 million renovation, which began in February 2007, included seismic upgrades and the installation of new security protocols, such as bag inspections, to comply with post-9/11 standards while preserving the building's iconic design.^[1] The building's restaurant operations also underwent multiple rebrandings and updates amid economic pressures from changing traveler preferences and airport competition. Originally featuring a dining facility as part of its 1961 debut, the space was reimagined in 1997 with the opening of the Encounter Restaurant, a futuristic venue designed by Disney Imagineers to evoke the Space Age theme, complete with retro interiors and themed cuisine.^[13] However, declining patronage—attributed to the inconvenience of accessing the central structure amid LAX's expanding terminal layout—led to operational challenges, and Encounter permanently closed in December 2013 after its operating contract expired, with no immediate plans for reopening.^[19] This marked the end of regular restaurant service, further limiting the building's role as a public dining destination. By 2016, public access to the observation deck was further curtailed due to ongoing maintenance needs and security considerations, reducing availability to the second weekend of each month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding August.^[1] These restrictions aligned with LAX's evolving focus on streamlined passenger movement, as the airport's growth prioritized direct terminal connectivity over centralized attractions like the Theme Building. In parallel, the structure saw temporary repurposing for occasional events and airport operations, adapting to its diminished visitor function while awaiting long-term plans.^[5] The most significant transition came in 2018, when the observation deck was permanently closed in September to accommodate new uses within the building. That July, the Bob Hope USO relocated its LAX center to the ground floor, opening a 7,100-square-foot facility offering respite for military personnel and their families, including lounge areas, refreshments, and support services.^[1]^[20] This repurposing reflected broader airport evolution toward supporting essential services amid rising international traffic, effectively ending public observation while integrating the Theme Building into LAX's operational core.^[21]

Renovations and Preservation

Key Renovation Projects

The Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has undergone several significant renovation projects to preserve its iconic Space Age architecture while addressing structural, safety, and operational needs. One of the earliest major efforts was a $4 million renovation completed in 1997, led by Walt Disney Imagineering. This project transformed the interior spaces, introducing the Encounter Restaurant with retro-futuristic decor featuring metallic finishes, fiber-optic lighting, and a revolving mechanism that allowed diners to enjoy panoramic views of the airport and surrounding area. Enhanced exterior lighting was also installed to accentuate the building's parabolic arches at night.^[22] A more extensive modernization occurred from 2007 to 2010, costing $12.3 million funded by LAX Airport Revenue. This multi-phase effort focused on updating critical infrastructure, including the replacement of outdated HVAC systems with integrated fans in the arches for improved moisture and air control, comprehensive electrical system upgrades, and the removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint to meet modern environmental standards. The project addressed deteriorating stucco on the arches by reconstructing them with weather-resistant coatings, ensuring long-term protection against rain, ice, and seismic activity.^[23]^[24] Integrated into the 2007-2010 phase of the modernization was a dedicated seismic retrofit completed in 2010, which formed a key component of the overall $12.3 million expenditure. Engineers installed a 600-ton tuned mass damper (TMD) at the building's core summit, consisting of 1.2 million pounds of steel mass supported by base isolators to absorb and dissipate earthquake energy, thereby reducing structural demands without altering the visible architecture. This innovative solution, designed by Miyamoto International and VCA Seismic Engineering, preserved the Theme Building's unique form while enhancing its resilience to California's seismic risks.^[25]^[10] In addition to these major undertakings, minor preservation works have supported ongoing maintenance. More recently, in 2018, the lower level was fitted out for the Bob Hope USO center, a 7,100-square-foot facility relocated from temporary structures; the fit-out emphasized minimal intervention to retain the original interiors and aesthetics, providing lounge and support spaces for military personnel without compromising the building's design integrity.^[7]^[26] As part of LAX's broader Landside Access Modernization Program, rehabilitation and preservation efforts for the Theme Building, including potential installation of an elevator, were planned for 2020–2022 using funds secured in 2017; as of 2025, these works continue to support the structure amid ongoing airport improvements.^[27]

Historic Designation and Protection Efforts

The Theme Building was designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 570 on December 18, 1993, by the Los Angeles City Council, recognizing its exceptional architectural significance as a landmark of Space Age design that embodies the optimism and futurism of mid-20th-century aviation architecture.^[28] In 2016, the building was determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places through consensus determination and recognized as a contributing element to the LAX Central Terminal Area historic district, affirming its pivotal role in illustrating the evolution of Space Age architecture within the context of Los Angeles International Airport's postwar development.^[29]^[30] Preservation advocacy has been instrumental in safeguarding the structure, with organizations like the Los Angeles Conservancy supporting its recognition and maintenance amid airport expansion pressures in the 2000s, including opposition to potential alterations during LAX modernization initiatives.^[7] The 2010 seismic retrofit, which incorporated a tuned mass damper to enhance earthquake resistance without compromising the original design, was required under California's seismic safety standards and historic preservation regulations to ensure the monument's integrity.^[25]^[1] As a designated historic monument, the Theme Building is subject to strict protections, including requirements for City of Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission approval for any exterior or interior alterations to preserve its architectural features. Its status also integrates into LAX's broader modernization guidelines, which mandate the retention and contextual enhancement of historic resources like the building during ongoing airport improvements.^[29]

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Representation in Media and Pop Culture

The Theme Building has appeared in several films as a backdrop symbolizing futuristic Los Angeles, including the disaster epic Earthquake (1974), where it represents the city's central hub during seismic chaos. It also features in the spy thriller How to Steal the World (1968), a Man from U.N.C.L.E. film, as part of airport sequences evoking Cold War intrigue. Other notable cameos include the crime drama The Stone Killer (1973) and the comedy Prizzi's Honor (1985), where its distinctive arches provide a striking visual marker for arrivals and departures. As a pop culture icon, the Theme Building embodies 1960s optimism and Space Age futurism, often depicted in postcards and souvenirs distributed since its 1961 opening to capture the era's jet-age enthusiasm. It has been referenced in television, such as the 1968 Man from U.N.C.L.E. episode filmed on-site, and influenced stage designs like the UFO-inspired setup for U2's 360° Tour in the 2000s. Since the 1960s, it has symbolized mid-century progress, appearing in promotional materials and merchandise that highlight its flying-saucer form as a hallmark of American innovation.^[5] The building's artistic influence is evident in photography, notably through images captured by Julius Shulman in the early 1960s, which documented its construction and helped define modernist aesthetics in Los Angeles.^[31] Shulman's work, preserved in the Getty Research Institute archive, portrays the Theme Building as a pinnacle of Space Age design, inspiring subsequent illustrations and sci-fi visuals reminiscent of The Jetsons era.^[32] Its parabolic arches have echoed in video games and concept art, evoking retro-futuristic themes in titles like Destroy All Humans!, where similar structures nod to Googie-inspired landmarks. (Note: Used for verification only, not direct citation.) Public perception of the Theme Building has shifted from 1960s excitement over its role as a gateway to the future to 2020s nostalgia amid its physical decline and limited access, as explored in documentaries on Googie architecture.^[11] Films like the PBS production Paul Revere Williams: An African-American Architect in Jet-Age L.A. (2019) highlight its enduring symbolic value despite operational challenges, framing it as a relic of postwar ambition in contemporary discussions of urban heritage.^[33] Recent media, including a 2024 SFGATE article on its deterioration and 2025 coverage of LAX's cultural identity overhaul, portray it as a bittersweet emblem of lost optimism while emphasizing preservation efforts.^[11]^[34] This evolution reflects broader cultural reverence for mid-century icons.

Architectural Recognition and Influence

Critical acclaim for the Theme Building has centered on its embodiment of Googie style, characterized by bold, curvaceous forms inspired by the Space Age. The structure is prominently studied in Alan Hess's seminal book Googie: Fifties Coffee Shop Architecture (1986), where it is analyzed as a high-profile extension of the style beyond roadside diners to monumental public buildings, symbolizing 1950s technological exuberance.^[35] The Theme Building's influence is evident in later designs, including theme park structures like those in Disney's Tomorrowland expansions, blending architecture with narrative fantasy. Overall, the building contributed to the 21st-century revival of mid-century modern, informing projects that prioritize sculptural expression and cultural iconography in public spaces. Scholarly analysis has debated its authorship among the collaborative team of William Pereira, Charles Luckman, Paul R. Williams, and Welton Beckett, with journals affirming its pivotal role in advancing Southern California modernism through innovative prestressed concrete techniques and aviation-themed symbolism.^[36]

Current Status and Future Prospects

Present-Day Usage

As of 2025, the Theme Building primarily serves as the home for the Bob Hope USO center, a 7,100-square-foot facility that relocated to the structure's lower level in 2018 to support U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families.^[20] The center offers dedicated lounges, quiet rooms, gaming areas, snacks, and volunteer-led support services, accommodating tens of thousands of visitors annually amid LAX's high traffic.^[37] Access remains restricted to eligible USO members, with the general public prohibited from entering the interior.^[11] The building's condition has deteriorated in recent years, exhibiting signs of rot and neglect that have persisted since its last major renovation over a decade ago.^[11] It has been closed to general visitors since the observation deck shutdown in September 2018, compounded by outdated mechanical systems and structural wear from exposure to coastal weather. Maintenance challenges include limited upkeep, as the structure no longer functions for tourism or commercial operations. Within LAX, the Theme Building continues as a prominent visual landmark, its distinctive flying-saucer silhouette visible from airport roadways and runways, though it is non-operational for visitor engagement.^[11] Surrounded by security fencing and featuring minimal exterior lighting, it integrates passively into the airport's layout without active pedestrian pathways. For observers, alternatives are limited to exterior views from surrounding roads like World Way or Century Boulevard, with no interior tours or guided access available.

Ongoing Challenges and Proposed Developments

The Theme Building faces significant ongoing challenges related to deferred maintenance and its integration into Los Angeles International Airport's (LAX) expansive modernization efforts. Structural deterioration, including issues with its iconic parabolic arches and exterior elements, has rendered much of the interior unusable, with the building described as "rotting" and lacking a clear future purpose amid competing priorities for airport upgrades.^[11] These preservation hurdles are compounded by debates over adaptive reuse—such as converting spaces for events or exhibits—versus comprehensive restoration, especially as LAX undergoes a $30 billion overhaul to accommodate projected growth to 90 million annual passengers and prepare for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.^[38]^[39] Proposed developments aim to address these issues through targeted enhancements as part of LAX's broader infrastructure refresh. In November 2025, the LAX board unanimously approved a $1 billion Central Terminal Area (CTA) improvement project, encompassing approximately 1.2 miles of roadway reconfigurations and features such as new lighting along sidewalks and crosswalks, expanded passenger loading zones, ADA-compliant accessibility upgrades, and 3.2 acres of low-water landscaping around the Theme Building to create gathering areas.^[40]^[41] This initiative, led by teams including Hensel Phelps and Krueck Sexton Partners, is scheduled for completion by 2027 but involves planning and initial work in 2025 to enhance the passenger experience ahead of the Olympics. The observation deck remains closed since September 2018, with no current public access and no firm timeline for reactivation.^[1]^[42] Advocacy groups continue to push for revitalization, emphasizing the building's historic value. The Los Angeles Conservancy has long supported preservation efforts, highlighting the need for stabilization to ensure the structure endures amid LAX's evolution, including calls to revive public amenities like restaurant or viewing spaces to honor its mid-century modern legacy.^[7] In the larger context, these challenges and plans are embedded within LAX's Vision Plan, which prioritizes integrating historic elements like the Theme Building into new infrastructure, such as the Automated People Mover train system expected to open in 2026 and connect terminals to reduce congestion.^[43]^[44]^[45] This approach seeks to balance modernization with cultural preservation, ensuring the building remains a focal point in the airport's future layout.^[46]

References

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