Los Angeles Salute to Memory of 9/11

On September 11, 2002 America paused to remember the horrific events of exactly one year before. All across the country citizens took time to reflect and communities, from small rural towns to major urban cities, displayed their patriotism through a variety of 9/11 memorial events.

In Los Angeles observances took many forms. The towering columns at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which have become a landmark since their dedication in August of 2000, were illuminated red, white and blue for the occasion.

Some 489 Martin Exterior 600 luminaires are used to illuminate 15 circular frosted glass columns, which stand dramatically at the Sepulveda/Century entrance to LAX, guiding visitors to and from one of the world’s busiest airports. Internally illuminated, the columns are capable of changing color remotely. 

On 9/11 the columns were programmed to change between red, white and blue while synchronizing with an additional 15 smaller glass columns located on Century Blvd, the main road approaching LAX. 

Each column is approximately 33 meters tall and houses 32 Exterior 600 color changing wash lights. The complete lighting project is controlled via a customized system of ProScenium DMX512 controllers, a visual DMX lighting control package. 

Designed and specified by Los Angeles based Dawn Hollingsworth of MRH Design (Moody, Ravitz, Hollingsworth Design Inc.), the project has been called the largest automated lighting project in the world.