German architect Frei Otto named winner of Pritzker Prize a day after he dies

German architect Frei Otto has been named as winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize - a day after his death at the age of 89, organisers of architecture's top honour said.

Otto, renowned for designs that incorporated lightweight tent-like structures, had been informed he had won the accolade shortly before his death, a statement said.

"Frei Otto's career is a model for generations of architects, and his influence will continue to be felt," said Tom Pritzker, who chairs the foundation, which bestows the honour.

"The news of his passing is very sad, unprecedented in the history of the prize. We are grateful that the jury awarded him the prize while he was alive."

Otto, who designed the distinct tented roof above Munich's Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1972 Summer Games and the 1974 World Cup final, had been due to receive the award in Miami at a ceremony in May.

In comments by the architect made before his death, Otto said he had "never done anything to gain this prize".

"My architectural drive was to design new types of buildings to help poor people, especially following natural disasters and catastrophes," he said.