Seeing Red

Monday January 30th, 2012

Two and a half years ago, Kenneth Johansson approached a Los Angeles building owner with an idea. That building—well, more like three buildings—was the Pacific Design Center. The idea? For Kenneth to document the construction and completion of the Center’s threesome: The Red Building.

The Pacific Design Center is a 1,200,000 square foot triad of buildings that houses a multitude of creative businesses, restaurants and showrooms. What it’s most known for though, is the three building’s bright colors. One blue, one green, and lastly, a final red building—Center Red.

Drawn to the unique architecture and vivid colors (the vision of famed architect Cesar Pelli), he knew he wanted to document Center Red, from beginning to end. He saw the history and future in the building and knew it was something special. So, he took his idea to photograph the building to it’s owner, Charles Cohen, who, after seeing Kenneth’s accomplished portfolio, agreed to give him the job of shooting the site for a book.

Soon after, he found himself dodging steel bars and riding up on cranes. He had to learn fast how to photograph in such a hectic environment,

As I walk the site and see potential shots, I instinctively shoot them, then and there if I can. The next minute, it could be gone. You find it, shoot it, and get out of the way before you get run over.

Kenneth was excited by the challenge though, and ready for anything. He even jumped in a crane to hang 10 stories high. He recalls,

I was strapped into a man-basket on the crane—I was following the crane’s hook as it went back and forth, working and spinning. I was up there for more than an hour and loving every minute.

Now, thousands of shots later, he’s very happy to have been able to be a part of the Red Building’s history. According to Kenneth, the project is very special to him. He states, “I don’t think I’ve ever worked harder.”

What’s next for Kenneth now that the Red Building project is complete? Maybe a trip to Paris where he hopes to photograph the Chartres Catherdral or another of the many buildings on his photography “wish list.”

View more of Kenneth’s work on his website, kennethjohanssonphotography.com. You can also check out more of his Red images on redgallerysite.com.

- Maria Luci