About
Frei Paul Otto was a German architect and structural engineer celebrated for his pioneering use of lightweight structures, particularly tensile and membrane structures. He is best known for designing the roof of the Olympic Stadium in Munich for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Otto's innovative designs pushed the boundaries of architectural possibilities and inspired generations of architects and engineers.
Career Timeline
Dissertation on Tensile Structures
Otto establishes the foundation for his career with early research.
German Pavilion, Montreal Expo
His design gains significant attention.
Munich Olympic Stadium Roof
Otto gains international recognition for this iconic design.
Aga Khan Award for Architecture
Wins prestigious award.
Continued Research & Innovation
Otto continued working on sustainable architectural solutions.
Pritzker Prize Announced
Otto wins the Pritzker Prize posthumously for career achievements.
Legacy in Lightweight Structures
Otto's designs and research continues to influence architectural practices.
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Last updated: February 24, 2026