7. October – 28 October 2019
The structure of the Zalotay House in Ziegelried
curator: Elemér Nagy
open until: 2019 10 28
Elemér Zalotay (1932, Szentes) is a strange and solitary figure in Hungarian architecture. His designs, which largely remained on paper, are valuable works of Hungarian architecture and architecture in general. He has been living in Switzerland since 1973, but he kept his Hungarian nationality. He is only known by a narrow circle of professionals, but nobody questions his genius. Foreign literature is finally beginning to recognize the significance of his unique oeuvre as well. His way of thinking is akin to Yona Friedman, also of Hungarian origin, and to Polish architect Oskar Hansen.
Elemér Zalotay started building his own house in Ziegelried, Switzerland, in 1978, which is a notable example of green or recycling architecture. The house has been under monument protection since 1992. The survival of this house is now in jeopardy after he moved into an old people’s home in early 2017, and the house was left uninhabited. The lightweight structure needs regular renovation and continuous maintenance.
In April 2018, FUGA’s staff completed the survey and documentation of the house’s condition.
The basic structural elements of the house will be displayed in their original size at the exhibition in order to allow for understanding and developing the concepts.