6.38.Hungary-4-detail-i Highlights Relevant to Sustainable Design:
Needs plus regionalism drive simple innovations.
People in different parts of the world have similar needs and solve the same problems in different ways, often based on the available local resources. This sketchbook includes a hand grinding apparatus, our family gravesite, and some grave markers near the Transylvanian border, which used to be part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The significance of the grinding machine near the gravesite may have something to do with ashes to ashes and dust to dust. The family graves are on the outskirts of a town called Fehergyasmat, pronounced “Fay-hay-yarm-et.” The tomb markers are specific to one particular region. They take on a distinct quality reminiscent of Easter Island. Carved from large local tree logs, the markers stand sometimes over six feet tall and a foot thick.
The V-cut wood roof shingles are an interesting detail to keep water from getting inside the building. The available wood versus clay drive the form, and the V helps prevent the water from resting on the shingle and warping the wood. This drawing also shows another region of wine country. The different sized and shaped presses and the different sized and shaped cellars all contribute to a provincial feeling. Running along the top of the page, the ax-like form actually has a very dull blade. It is called a Fokos, pronounced “Fook-ish.” Shepherds use the tools as walking sticks. The curved end piece snags the sheep collar and directs them on their way.
Author and illustrator: Charlie Szoradi is an architect, inventor, and the CEO of Independence LED Lighting. He writes about many other topics related to roofing and roof shingles through his extensive travels around the world.
If you have found this posting online, it is an excerpt from Mr. Szoradi’s book Learn from Looking that served as the inspiring seed content for this drawing share resource. For additional drawings and insights on roof shingles and roof tiles, we hope that you enjoy exploring LearnfromLooking.com. You can search via general terms such as sustainability as well as narrower terms such as roof shingles and clay tiles.
