German architect and structural engineer, Frei Otto, was awarded the Pritzker Prize earlier this month, just two weeks after his death. Regarded as architecture’s highest honor, the announcement was suddenly moved up after his death. Recognized for his airy tent-like structures, Mr. Otto was quite renounced among his colleagues even though he wasn’t necessarily a “household name”. Mr. Otto’s work was a in direct opposition to the Third Reich’s heavily commissioned buildings that were a staple during his childhood in Berlin.
When Frei Otto learned of his selection during a personal visit from Martha Thorne, the prize’s executive director, he said: “I’ve never done anything to gain this prize. Prizewinning is not the goal of my life. I try to help poor people, but what shall I say here- I’m very happy.” (International New York Times). We believe the prize was rightfully deserved!
A roof (designed with Gunter Behnisch) of the Munich Olympic Stadium in 1972 defied expections and was vastly different from anything the world had seen before.
Image courtesy of: Kylejanzen wordpress
Japanese Pavillion at EXPO 2000 in Hanover, Germany. Designed with Shigeru Ban, this took 3 weeks to assemble.
Image courtesy of: Arch Daily
Mr. Otto atop of one of his beautiful buildings in Montreal, Canada.
Image courtesy of: Dezeen