50 years of Blue, Red and Green
Author:Lindsey Shook
By far one of L.A.’s most notable buildings and community hub of the local design community, this year the Pacific Design Center is celebrating their landmark 50 year anniversary. Owned and managed by Charles S. Cohen, of Cohen Brothers Realty, the Pacific Design Center is an impressive 1.6 million-square-foot aggregation of three uniquely shaped and hued structures that was designed by renowned architect César Pelli. Spanning across 14 acres in the prime of West Hollywood, the Blue Building (also known as the ‘Blue Whale’) first opened in 1975 as home to around 100 trade showrooms. In the years following, the Green Building opened in 1988, and the Red Building opened in 2012, both where major fashion, tech and media corporations call their home base. I recently had the opportunity to discuss the this historical achievement with Charles S. Cohen as well as what the future holds.
–What was the original vision behind the design center when it first opened 50 years ago? The Pacific Design Center was envisioned as a centralized destination for the design industry, a place where designers, architects and creatives could access the best-in-class resources, showrooms, and ideas all under one roof. It wasn’t just about convenience; it was about creating a community and elevating design as a professional discipline. That vision still holds true today.
–How did the building reflect the design trends or cultural values of that era? When the Blue Building opened in the mid-1970s, it embodied a bold, forward-thinking spirit. Its use of reflective glass, scale and clean geometry reflected a growing fascination with modernism and innovation. It also spoke to Los Angeles’ identity at the time; optimistic, design-driven and unafraid to make a statement.
–What makes the building’s architecture iconic? Designed by César Pelli, the Pacific Design Center is instantly recognizable. The scale, the color, and the clarity of form make it unlike anything else in world. Each building—Blue, Green, and Red—has its own identity, but together they create a striking architectural presence that has become a landmark for both the design community and Los Angeles.
–How has the design center influenced the local or global design community over the past five decades? For 50 years, the Pacific Design Center has served as a hub for discovery, collaboration, and innovation. It has brought together leading brands, emerging talent and global voices in one place, helping shape conversations around design, architecture and lifestyle. From major industry events and exhibitions to daily interactions within the showrooms, PDC has continuously influenced how design is experienced, sourced and shared—both locally and internationally.
–What does this anniversary mean to you personally? It’s incredibly meaningful to be part of this moment. The Pacific Design Center has such a rich legacy, and to help shape how we celebrate 50 years, while also looking ahead to what’s next, feels both exciting and rewarding. It’s a reminder of the impact the PDC has had on the design community and the opportunity we have to continue evolving and inspiring for decades to come.
Today, the Pacific Design Center is not just a point of commerce but an intersection for business and community engagement. From Hollywood movie premieres to celebrity brand activations, discussions on design and technology and providing space for charitable events—including a recent donation drive for fire victims—the team is committed to supporting the city of L.A. through and through. To honor this year’s iconic celebration, the team at the PDC rolled out a dynamic assortment of experiential content and events including a very patriotic art installation by Sean Leffers and drapery designer Lorna Harkins using his pieces of his new textile line that is on display with Kneedler Fauchere. Here, he shares more on the concept and why he was compelled to curate this impactful moment.
“To me, the most powerful of our country’s ideals has always been the idea that we come from many different places to create something none of us could build alone. Quilt-making is all about love, patience and making something beautiful and nourishing out of whatever it is that you’ve got.
“There’s never been a better time to practice that. I believe that diversity is our greatest resource and the foundation of best possible future and often think of Fannie Lou Hamer’s words—‘Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.’ We’ve got a long way to go, but there’s nothing more important I can think of to stand up for. It’s been disheartening to watch powerful forces push against the progress toward freedom and equality that we’ve made over my lifetime.”
Additional exhibits including the one on current view in the Blue and Green buildings that features work by Rachel Hayes, Karen and Tony Barone and PlusObject, are just a few of the deeply captivating programs that draw industry leaders and residents annually to the Pacific Design Center. Cohen remarks, “As we mark this monumental anniversary, we are honored to celebrate not only the history of the Pacific Design Center as a cultural landmark, but the designers and creative partners who have helped shape the PDC into what it is today.”
