Frei Otto and the development of gridshells

Abstract

The innovative architect, Frei Otto, developed the concept of gridshells which could be designed by a funicular modelling method and constructed from an equal mesh net of timber laths bent into the planned shape. In 1970 this technique was used to construct a 9000 m² curved roof structure from 5 cm square timber laths. This paper summarises the design and engineering work that went into the construction of this remarkable building.