JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Diamonds, rectangles, squares and other intricate patterns adorn the exterior of numerous brick buildings on Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, which were designed and built when the installation was still called Langley Field.
Industrial architect Albert Kahn was selected to design the installation in 1917, after funding approval and land acquisition for aeronautical research facilities, an aviation field and other infrastructure at Langley.
According to the Air Combat Command historian office’s publication, “Langley, 1916-1996,” Kahn, one of the foremost architects in the country, visualized a unique architecture for Langley’s buildings and created striking exterior designs featuring intricate patterns of brickwork and tile.
Renowned in the Detroit area for designing automotive plants, houses and other facilities, Kahn utilized classical and neo-classical architectural styles at Langley while collaborating with his brother Julius Kahn, who developed innovative building materials.
“Kahn took on the design work at Langley for half of his usual commission,” said David Jennings, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer. “He also designed the original roadway that is still relatively intact.”
Over the years weather has affected the exteriors of Langley’s original buildings, but many have been totally renovated inside. Instead of demolishing buildings due to age, some can be preserved and reused for other purposes, said Jennings.
“We work with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in the reuse of our buildings,” said Jennings. “People are interested in maintaining the classic designs of Langley’s older structures because of the character of the buildings.”
For an up-close look at several of the buildings designed by Kahn and other historically significant structures on Langley, the ACC historian’s office offers a self-guided historic walking tour brochure of original Langley.
Beginning at the Langley Club parking lot, people can follow the brochure’s directions to view original aircraft hangars, residential living quarters and office buildings featuring Kahn’s decorative brickwork and concrete iconography designs.
Also on the tour route, one of the U.S. Air Force’s most historically significant buildings, the Air Combat Command headquarters, was designed by Kahn and built in 1919. It has been the home of organizations that have played key roles in every major development of U.S. airpower, according to the brochure.
Other highlights of the tour include concrete iconography of the United States shield, military aviator emblems and brick work designs showcasing a star within a circle, a symbol of the early U.S. Army Air Service.
As people travel through the original Langley area, they should look around at the buildings instead of just walking by, said Jennings. “There is a lot of character there and you can see the history.”
For more information on the history of Langley Air Force Base, visit www.jble.af.mil/about-us.