Frei Otto: Form and Structure - Hardcover

Drew, Annette Lawrence

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0891585354 ISBN 13: 9780891585350

Publisher: Westview Press, 1976

Synopsis

Philip Drew's standard work is based on both extensive research and intimate cooperation with Frei Otto at his Stuttgart Institute of Lightweight Structures. The book deals with the three important facets of Otto's work: research into structural systems conducted at the Institute; the application of theoretical findings in architecture at his Warmbronn studio; and Otto's deep interest in the nature of structure in architecture and biology. The first part of the book is devoted to general aspects of Otto's work. it throws light on the historical architectural background and the context in which his work must be seen, especially the ideas of the Futurists, Mies van der Rohe, the Archigram Group and the Metabolists. The second part discusses the types of structure with which Otto is mainly concerned: membranes, nets, suspended structures, compression shells, and pneumatic structures. Part three deals with those works of Otto that are not based on particular types of structure, but on particular requirements. It begins with a treatment of kinetic structures, especially "convertible" roof. There follows an analysis of structures whose function is to create a micro-climate of their own. It concludes with a survey of structures that owe their origin to direct transference of the structural principles of biological shapes to the sphere of technology. The documentation section deals with Frei Otto's most important recent works, with complete technical details.

Edition details

• Publisher: Westview Press
• Publication date: 1976
• ISBN 10: 0891585354
• ISBN 13: 9780891585350
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1