Frei Otto Exhibition
Thinking in models

Karlsruhe
2016

The exhibition consists of four central elements occupying two of ZKM`s atriums. “Frei Otto’s Model Landscape” - All of the models are organized by project scale on a single 50-meter-long table. In this way the researching character and aesthetic continuity in Frei Otto’s thinking becomes evident. “Frei Otto’s Cosmos” - Visitors are able to see photos of studies of nature, spiders’ webs, sand structures and soap bubbles presented on 18 tables inspired by those at Otto`s studio in Warmbronn. They provide insights into the poetic and scientific cosmos of Otto’s imagination. “Frei Otto’s Projection” - Images and technical media play a major role in Frei Otto`s interdisciplinary approach. A projection of more than 30 meters in length conveys this approach. “Frei Otto’s open archive” - A key component of the exhibition is the “open archive”. It consists of 18 over-sized archive shelves surrounding both courtyards. Selected original plans, photos, books and reproductions guide the user through the key events in Frei Otto`s life.