Is Frei Otto A-List?
No — Frei Otto is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1972
Munich Olympic Stadium Roof
Lost A-list status in 1987
Dropped to B tier — Aga Khan Award for Architecture
Ranking 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.
Last updated: February 23, 2026