Gin D. Wong facts for kids

Gin Dan Wong (September 17, 1922 – September 1, 2017) was an important American architect. He was born in China and later moved to the United States. He became famous for designing many well-known buildings in Los Angeles, California.

During his career, he led the Architectural Guild at the University of Southern California. He also started his own company, Gin Wong Associates. Before that, he was the president of William L. Pereira Associates, another big architecture firm.

Early Life and Education

Gin Wong helped design the Los Angeles Airport's Theme Building.

Gin Wong was born in Guangzhou, China. He was one of nine children in his family. His parents moved to the United States during the Great Depression. This was a time when many people faced economic hardship.

In 1942, he studied engineering at Los Angeles City College. Later, he served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a navigator on a Boeing B-29 Superfortress plane in the Pacific.

After the war, he continued his education. He studied at Millikin University and then earned his architecture degree from the University of Southern California in 1950.

Designing Famous Buildings

After college, Gin Wong joined a firm called Pereira & Luckman. He later moved to William L. Pereira Associates. There, he became a lead designer and eventually the president.

He played a big part in designing many famous buildings. These include the Occidental Center and the Crocker National Bank building. He also worked on the new tower of the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. One of his most famous projects was the unique Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco.

In 1974, Gin Wong decided to start his own company. He named it Gin Wong Associates.

His Impact on Architecture

The 76 gas station in Beverly Hills is one of Wong's most famous designs.

Gin Wong designed many important buildings. These are found in Southern California and other parts of the Pacific. Some of his well-known works include:

• The iconic Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
• The ARCO Headquarters Building in Downtown Los Angeles.
• The Columbia Broadcasting System Television City.
• The Crean Tower and Mary Hood Chapel at the Crystal Cathedral.
• The unique Jack Colker's 76 Station in Beverly Hills, California.
• The Hyatt Regency International Airport in Incheon, Korea.
• The Pan Pacific Tower in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Gin Wong is known for his work on the Los Angeles International Airport. He helped create a special "satellite system" for the airport. This system made it easier for people to arrive, depart, and get their luggage. This design became a model for how airports are built around the world.

His designs often mixed new technology with practical ideas. He helped shape the look of Los Angeles with his buildings.

Awards and Recognition

Gin Wong received many awards for his work. These honors recognized his important contributions to architecture:

• Lifetime Achievement Award, USC Architecture, 2019
• Architectural Design Leadership Award, Asian Business Association, 1999
• Fellow, American Institute of Architects, 1966

He was also recognized by the Getty Center's Pacific Standard Time project. This project highlighted influential Chinese American architects in Los Angeles. His work was shown in an exhibition called "Breaking Ground: Chinese American Architects in Los Angeles."