An Architect's Adaptation to the Mass Production System: A. Quincy Jones's Tract Houses

Abstract

This study identifies an architect's interpretation of the mass production system, and the public responses in the housing market, through the works of A. Quincy Jones. He provides an extraordinary example, in being successful in his efforts to envision professional architectural designs respecting the principles developed by mass builders. He proposed the post-and-beam system, and variations of the minimum plan in the plan layout, as the discipline in his guidebook. While his adoption of the post-and-beam system originated from criticism of the mass builders' houses following the regional modern architects, the methodology for layout planning was apparently based on the standardized guidance of the Federal Housing Administration. In his actual projects, the consistency of the structural system and the flexible application of the minimum plan showed a significant difference with those of mass builders. In particular, the modification of the minimum plan resulted in more attractive spatial experiences for the masses, with an open kitchen centered on the family living space. His post-and-beam structural system was also effective, in visualizing the connection between inside and outside space for outdoor living spaces. His architectural effort in considering the mass housing market envisioned ideal family living spaces for the public, with the application of modern architectural disciplines to the mass production housing market.