Lars Bang, Mid-Century Master: 1921 - 2008

Lars Bang, the architect responsible for many of the gorgeous and endangered mid-century modern homes in Houston, passed away last Friday, October 17th after a brief illness. He was 87 years old.

As recently as last year, Bang was still active and spry despite being in his mid-80s. He made one Meyerland homeowner very happy when he personally came to visit her home after a neighbor suggested that her mid-century modern home was designed by Bang.

The homeowner was curious to see if Bang remembered designing her home, and he happily came out to inspect the home himself, standing in the front yard for a long while and attempting to recall its design out of thousands. Although he wasn't able to remember designing the house specifically, it was later confirmed that his name was on the original architectural plans and the house was, in fact, a Lars Bang design.

From Meyerland to Memorial Bend, Bang and his firm -- Lars Bang Associates -- were responsible for designing and building the iconic mid-century modern homes that dominate so many of the Houston neighborhoods that were founded in the post-war boom of the 1950s. Along with other famous architects like William Norman Floyd, William R. Jenkins and Harwood Taylor, Bang strongly defined the residential architecture of the era with innovative elements like butterfly roofs and glass atriums.

Lars Bang was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army Air Corps, and was a graduate of the University of Houston's architecture school. Bang was the principal of his eponymous design firm for over 40 years, during which time he designed residences for well-to-do Houstonians and the occasional local celebrity, such as model agency owner Page Parkes. Preceded in death by his wife, he left behind two daughters, a son, numerous grandchildren and an architectural legacy that deserves to be admired and preserved.

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Photo courtesy of www.swamplot.com.