Houston architect Lars W. Bang passed away on Friday. He was 87. His firm, Lars Bang Associates, designed many now-classic Midcentury Modern homes in the Houston area, including several in Memorial Bend.
Bang also designed this home at 4815 Braesvalley Dr. in Meyerland. Bang’s poignant 2007 return visit to that address was featured in Swamplot earlier this year.
Memorial services are scheduled for 10 this morning at Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer.
- Lars W. Bang [Houston Chronicle, via Swamplot inbox]
- The House That Time and Architect Forgot [Swamplot]
Photo of 4815 Braesvalley Dr.: Meg Zoller
I’ve always love this style of architecture. I wish more builders would look into using these styles for subdivisions.
As a resident of Memorial Bend who enjoys greeting the new day through clerestory windows, I feel a loss. Bang, Floyd, Caudill and many others created a simple, elegant way of living that could comfortably accommodate a large family in less than 3,000 sqft. I wish that we could take more comfort in the knowledge that these architects left us a tangible legacy in the homes and buildings that they designed. The pace of demolition has increased as more of these homes are deemed obsolete and replaced with limestone and stucco manses that look like they got lost on their way to Cinco Ranch (not that there is anything wrong with Cinco Ranch).
In recognition of Mr. Lars’ contribution to our community, I’ve downloaded the membership form for HoustonMod.org and am going paypal my membership. Thank You for recalling Mr. Bang’s contribution to Houston.
R.I.P.