Fritz Auer, one of the architects behind Munich's iconic Olympic Stadium from the 1972 Games, is throwing his support behind the city's potential bid to host future Olympics in 2036, 2040, or 2044. At 92 years old, Auer recently discussed the new Olympic plans with Bavarian Construction Minister Christian Bernreiter in a video call, expressing enthusiasm for bringing the Games back to Munich.
The original Olympic Park began as what many considered a crazy idea – even a utopia. The concept featured a gigantic, transparent tent-like roof that would sweep over hilly terrain, so delicate it would appear like a soap bubble film floating over meadows. This audacious architectural vision became reality and remains one of Munich's most recognizable landmarks today.
Auer, who was just 34 years old during the 1972 project, worked alongside fellow architects Carlo Weber (1934-2014) and Günter Behnisch (1922-2010) to create the Olympic venue. "We didn't expect that we would give birth to such a grand vision," Auer recalled. "We simply sat together and started dreaming." The tent roof concept came from Frei Otto (1925-2015), a visionary architect who had designed a similar but simpler and temporary structure for the German pavilion at the 1967 Montreal Expo.
To create a model for the Olympic roof, the architects initially stretched a women's stocking over toothpicks. Despite skepticism from critics who considered the design too complex and risky, the project moved forward. "This crazy idea suddenly struck sparks," Auer said, describing how the concept was carried by a unique euphoric Olympic atmosphere in the city, both politically and socially.
The current proposal for new Olympic Games would primarily utilize the existing Olympic grounds, with the distinctive roof currently undergoing renovation worth approximately 300 million euros. According to Minister Bernreiter, only a new temporary swimming facility would need to be constructed since pool dimensions have changed since 1972. "We need to ensure everything meets current requirements, but 90 to 95 percent of everything is already there," Bernreiter explained, suggesting Munich could host comparatively sustainable Games.
When asked what modifications would be needed for the stadium to accommodate future Games, Auer responded optimistically: "One could boldly say, not that much." He pointed to the success of the European Championships three years ago, which demonstrated how the venue and park could be brought back to life, generating significant sporting enthusiasm. The park operates year-round and remains very popular with visitors.
Auer believes another major event like the Olympic Games could genuinely resonate with the population again. However, he acknowledges that today's society has significantly more skeptics than in the 1970s. "It's time for someone to start dreaming again," he urged. "It's about encouraging society to regain courage and do things they might not have been able to imagine before." His message reflects a call for renewed optimism and ambition in pursuing large-scale projects that could inspire communities and showcase architectural innovation.
