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24/5/2005

Frei Otto

Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich

Lightweight construction, natural design

On the occasion of Frei Otto’s 80th birthday, the Architekturmuseum der TU München will present in its galleries in the Pinakothek der Moderne a comprehensive retrospective devoted to the life work of this important architect, designer, researcher and visionary, who has received more international recognition than any other postwar German architect. »Frei Otto – Lightweight construction, natural design« was academically organized by the Architekturmuseum and is the first thorough presentation of his works completed over a 50-year period.

Frei Otto’s position as one of the most outstanding architects of the 20th century is based on his invention of and research into lightweight structures – membranes, cable nets, gridshells and pneumatic constructions – as well as his methodically pursued objective to create environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, light and adaptable architecture. From early on he showed an interest in ecological issues and time and again made his presence known in conventional architectural circles with his trenchant comments.

The exhibition is organized consistent with Frei Otto’s core research activities and work areas: tents, convertible roofs, cable nets, gridshells and pneus/hydros. A separate section will be devoted to the adaptable, ecological and biological building. The extensive amount of original material – drawings, sketches, photos, models and historical documents – is intended to make accessible the many areas that Frei Otto explored, continuously developing new designs and building forms, which were subsequently adopted by architects and engineers throughout the world. By means of computer animations – prepared by students of the TU München under the direction of the chair »planning of structural design«, the CAAD syllabus as well as the Architekturmuseum der TU München – construction principles and design processes will be clearly elucidated, making them understandable for all. Special tribute will be paid to Frei Otto’s basic research and interdisciplinary work at the Institute for Lightweight Structures.

The exhibition will also feature the film »Frei Otto – Von Seifenblasen und Zelten« (Soap bubbles and Tents) directed by Louis Saul (a co-production of megaherz film and tv Munich, SWR and arte). The realisation of the film was made possible by the support of the Architekturmuseum der TU München and produced on the occasion of the exhibition and Frei Otto’s 80th birthday. The film was primarily shot on actual locations and impressively presents Frei Otto’s intentions, ideas and buildings.

A comprehensive publication will accompany the exhibition (ca. 400 pages, 200 colour and 400 black and white illustrations) in catalogue form for 40 euros and as a trade book (in German and English) for 78 euros from Birkhäuser Verlag. Ten essays from renowned authorities on Frei Otto’s work, an unpublished speech by Frei Otto and a chronological work register will cover all relevant topics relating to theory and practice, as well as the architect’s life and work.

Frei Otto will be present at the press conference and opening on May 25, 2005, 11.00. The Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, with whom Frei Otto collaborated on the design of the Japanese Pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hanover, will hold a short speech at the evening opening. At 16.00 in the Ernst von Siemens auditorium, the faculty for architecture of the TU München will confer an honorary doctorate on Frei Otto.

On May 25, 2005 you are cordially invited to attend the conferment of the honorary doctorate on Frei Otto at 16.00, as well as the opening of the exhibition at 19.00.

Architekturmuseum der Technischen Universitat in der Pinakothek der Moderne
Barer Strasse 40 - München

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