Influential German architect Frei Otto dies at 89

New York

FREI OTTO, an architect and engineer known for creating dazzling tensile structures that inspired generations of architects to dangle roofs from poles and cables, died on Monday in Germany, weeks before he was to be named the recipient of the Pritzker Prize, architecture's most prestigious honour. He was 89.

Peter Palumbo, the Pritzker chairman, announced the death. Mr Otto had been told about the prize in January, Mr Palumbo said. An award ceremony is scheduled for May 15 in Miami.