This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
There's a reason that so many sci-fi thrillers are set in space. Well, there are probably many reasons. But it's certainly true that the tools of space exploration often have a haunting, sterile, almost creepy quality. Vincent Fournier captures that quality in his photographs, taken at the research and operations facilities of space programs around the world. Fast Company's Co.Design blog has a great slide show of Fournier's images, which "straddle the divide between documentary and fantasy." Or, as Co.Design's Suzanne LaBarre more succinctly put it, "This guy could out-Kubrick Kubrick."
A recent Vice video (below) gives a bit more insight into Fournier and the motivation behind his work; it also shows him photographing the Kennedy Space Center in Florida inside and out as the space shuttle program drew to a close earlier this year.