At that point the Olympics in Munich he was turned on and I remember distinctly when I saw the stadium On TV that whatever happened I would be an architect.
The Olympic Monaco games were a powerful example of what could be done with these structures. The 1972 OlympicsThe World Cup was hosted in Munich and subsequently in 1974. The author of the stadium, with its characteristic textile cover of PMMA, was the architect Frei Otto.
This type of structure was my secret love, held clandestinely in my mine and waiting to be presented in the world at any time in a future project. The gods had other idea of my profession, time passed and unfortunately I was unable to obtain a project in which I could have introduced a traction structure as part of the solution. However, even if I didn’t have the opportunity to use it, I thought that maybe I would share the techniques with you readers, so this article.
Historically inspired by the curtains one of the first refuges conceived by Man The traction structures offer a series of advantages compared to other structural models.
Traction structure It is the term usually accustomed to Name the structures that mix membranes and steel cables to build large roofs, whose main characteristics are the resistance to traction, prefabrication and formal malleability. This type of structure requires very little material, thanks to the use of thin canvas which, if lengthening, create surfaces capable of overcoming the imposed forces.
Mainly accustomed to Cover the sports centers, stadiums and industrial and agro-industrial buildings, the aimed structures are inspired by the ancient systems, used during the Roman Empire. However, from Roman times until the mid -20th century, due to the low demand and lack of cables, canvas and connection producers capable of resisting the generated forces, there have been few technological progress.
It was only after the industrial revolution and the release of the Ford era, the new developments were able to satisfy the intrinsic needs of this construction system. The low cost of mass production and the demand for systems capable of adapting to the most varied soils through large openings, such as circus curtains, for example, encouraged the development of the technique.
Steel cables and waterproof membranes
The instability and structural deficiencies of some previous models, due to the application of intertwined cables and very bright covers, was resolved in the middle of the last century, thanks to the application of steel cables and waterproof fiber membranes, with a high degree of resistance. These not only provide greater protection against ultraviolet rays, mushrooms and fire, but also allow greater or lesser reflective and reflectivity.
These progress were possible only thanks to the physical-structural studies launched by the German architect and engineer Frei Otto, who made the first scientific studies from the 1950s and designed the first covers with tension steel cables, combined with membranes.
As a student, Otto visited Fred Severud’s office, knowing the Raleigh Arena in the North Carolina and was hit by the audacious aesthetic and the comfort of the project. Returning to Germany, he started to explore physical models on a small scale, empirically generating different surfaces, using chains, drawn cables and elastic membranes. Much the method used by Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona.
The idea is to use chains to cover a space, reverse those chains (upside down) and Gravity provides you with the ideal and economic form from which the arches from which they extend. More simply, if you take both the ends of a chain with your hands and let the chain form an arch and if I could freeze that arch, then continue to add more chains to cover a space that would be the cheapest membrane to cover a space.
In conclusion, the 1972 Munich Olympics left a lasting impression on architecture enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing the incredible potential of innovative structural design. Watching the stadium on television was a defining moment that inspired many, including the author, to pursue a career in architecture. The games exemplified how thoughtful design and engineering could create iconic, functional, and aesthetically striking spaces.
The Munich Olympic Stadium, with its distinctive textile canopy made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), stands as a testament to pioneering architectural vision. Designed by the renowned architect Frei Otto, the stadium broke new ground in using lightweight, tensile structures that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. This innovative approach not only set a new standard for stadium design but also influenced the future of architectural engineering worldwide.
Beyond its function as a sports venue, the stadium symbolized a harmonious fusion of art, technology, and nature. Frei Otto’s work demonstrated how architecture could push boundaries and evoke emotion while addressing practical needs. The Munich Olympics also showcased Germany’s post-war regeneration and commitment to progress through design excellence.
Furthermore, the Olympic Games of 1972 and the subsequent 1974 World Cup in Munich highlighted the critical role of architecture in shaping memorable cultural and sporting events. The stadium’s design continues to inspire architects, engineers, and designers, reminding us that creativity and innovation can transform ordinary structures into timeless landmarks.
Ultimately, the Munich Olympic Stadium represents more than a sports arena; it embodies the power of visionary architecture to inspire generations and redefine what is possible in the built environment. Frei Otto’s legacy continues to encourage aspiring architects to dream boldly and innovate fearlessly.
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