Doin' it For Themselves 5

Following World War II, the ALCOA Aluminum Company initiated a program to use modern materials in new ways. Landscape architect Garrett Eckbo (1910-2000) undertook the challenge to design his personal garden using aluminum for many garden elements that had traditionally been made from natural materials such as wood or stone.

Ward Thomas (1912-2004) and Jack Robbins (1923- ) were part of the group of talented mid-century architects who practiced in the Bay Area. Thomas designed many of the banks throughout northern California for the California Savings & Loan Association. In addition to his architectural practice, Robbins served as the Director of City Planning and Community Development for the City of Fremont, California.