Tanzbrunnen

When it comes to lightweight roofing with minimal surface structures, the undulating star-shaped tent is a classic. The design is based on the model of a soap bubble. Frei Otto designed and built the tent for the National Garden Show in Cologne in 1957. It covers a round dance floor at the centre of a circular fountain that gives the location its name: Tanzbrunnen means “The Dance Fountain” in German. In 2001, the cotton canvas was replaced with a polyester fabric. Over the years, the Tanzbrunnen has become an institution and remains a popular venue for events and festivals.