Gregory Ain

Résumé du livre

Gregory Ain (1908-88) argued that "architecture is a social art" that should serve the "common people," and he demonstrated that belief as one of America's most prominent modern architects in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. Ain helped pioneer several design strategies for houses and housing patterns-such as the open kitchen and the greenbelt- that would become part of the American vernacular. Until now, there had not been a comprehensive study of his career, and he had been, to some extent, forgotten. This book, the product of six years of research, brings new light to Ain's workds and ideas, showing that many of his critical contributions remain as relevant and potent as ever. The book also reveals that Ain's architectural priorities were tied to left-wing politics: many of hsi clients were Communist Party members, and Ain attended meetings himself. In short, there is an extensive unreported history of a Communist subculture in architecture in Los Angeles, which was organized around Ain. The 'Red Scare' of the 1950s effectively ended this underground movement, and Ain pursued a second career in academia. According to Thomas S. Hines, "In Denzer's skillful hands, Gregory Ain finally has gotten his due."