In a sad turn of events, Frei Otto passed away on March 9, prompting the Pritzker jury to move the announcement of the award up by two weeks. The Pritzker Prize is regarded as architecture's highest honor.
"In an announcement abruptly moved up after his death, the German architect Frei Otto on Tuesday was named the winner of the Pritzker Prize in recognition of his airy tentlike structures and other inventive feats of engineering," reports Robin Pogrebin.
"Mr. Otto, 89, died in Germany on Monday, two weeks before he was to be named this year’s laureate, the prize jury said. He is perhaps best known for roof canopies designed for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, admired for their blend of lightness and strength."
Otto was informed of his award earlier this year. His response to the honor, reportedly, was this: "Prizewinning is not the goal of my life. I try to help poor people, but what shall I say here — I’m very happy."
Although his name is not as recognizable as some in the profession, Pogrebin notes his esteem among architects, including those who pushed for him to receive the award.
FULL STORY: Pritzker Prize for Frei Otto, German Architect, Is Announced After His Death
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