Roof Caps
. . . and this pattern finishes the Roof Garden or the Roof Vaults. Assume that you have built the roof vaults—or at least that you have started to build up the splines which will support the cloth which forms the vault. Or assume that you have begun to build a roof garden, and have begun to fence it or surround it. In either case—how shall the roof be finished?
Problem:
There are few cases in traditional architecture where builders have not used some roof detail to cap the building with an ornament.
Background & Research: Not Included on the site—Go read the book!
Solution:
Choose a natural way to cap the roof—some way which is in keeping with the kind of construction, and the meaning of the building. The caps may be structural; but their main function is decorative—they mark the top—they mark the place where the roof penetrates the sky.
Usage:
Finish the roof caps any way you want, but don’t forget them—Ornament . . .
pg. 1084