Ralph Rapson, one of the most prolific and oldest practicing architects, died of a heart attack on Saturday at 93. Modernist in style, he was best known for his design of the former Guthrie Theater, which included "a thrusting stage and asymmetrical seating that made the audience seem like part of the dramatic action." In the 1940s, he designed his own line of furniture for Knoll, including a popular rocking chair, the Rapson Rapid Rocker. From 1954 to 1984, Rapson led the architecture
school at the University of Minnesota as dean. Other visible projects of his include US embassies in Stockholm and Copenhagen, as well as several buildings throughout Minnesota. Rapson also took part in the legendary experimental program, the Case Study Houses, which ran from 1945 until 1966, with his Greenbelt House design. The design was never built, but he recently developed a line of prefab modern houses called the Rapson Greenbelt based on the original design. The day prior to his death, Rapson had been in the office, "working on design projects and writing." His son, Toby Rapson said, "He always joked that he would be carried out on his drafting board." Check out some of his designs below, then read the whole story at the New York Times.