Arraying Prototypical Houses in Strip Patterns: Gregory Ain’s Park Planned Homes of 1946–1949

Abstract

Los Angeles architect Gregory Ain’s series of housing projects are reviewed and analyzed with regard to the frieze groups of symmetry. Ain was very conscious of utilizing a simple reflection and translation method of arranging prototypical units along a street. He argues that although such a method is simple, it would be enough to create a variable housing layout and a diverse look. First, this article briefly introduces a formal methodology with regard to frieze symmetry in the analysis and design of housing arrangements. The concept is then applied to review a series of Ain’s housing designs, which demonstrate the use of the method in his consecutive designs. Finally, the same method is applied to test possible alternative arrangements to create a dynamic streetscape. The notion of parametric designs may be applied to transform the typical unit to generate a variety of dissimilar designs.