In memory of Frei Otto

In 1984, enterpriser Fritz Hahne''s wishes for building at Wilkhahn were noteworthy in many ways from a current point of view. "At Wilkhahn, no two bricks will be placed on top of one another unless we are sure that a building is created giving equal consideration to ecological, economic, aesthetic and human aspects." The Hahne family had already been active for many years in closely following the discussion among different specialist disciplines on "limits to growth" and on the protection of nature and the environment. Besides the quality of a design and special sociopolitical aspects, an appreciation of nature and its preservation became a third dimension in an integrated corporate culture which would also to be reflected in future buildings and in the company''s products.

The first talk with Frei Otto turned out to be so promising that the course for cooperation was set. The four production pavilions opened in January 1988 are today still unique worldwide, and have won numerous awards. Yet it was not only his buildings that made Frei Otto so special. It was the attention he paid to others and his respect for them.

The life work of Frei Otto was more than merely researching and building. For him it was about existence in itself, about decent living and working, about giving life a meaning and about the correlations of the big picture that are also visible in a small way. He went looking for models in nature, and he found them. This may be what makes his architecture so exceptional and at the same time so natural, bringing it close to us. And this is what we also want for our products. We were glad to be "co-designers". It all remains alive and tangible at Wilkhahn. Thanks so much, Frei Otto.