Washington D.C. is a city of multicultural richness difficult to surpass. The huge diversity of languages, cultures, and people found in the city are the bases of its identity. Countless diplomatic missions, international organizations and agencies are a dramatic proof that Washington D.C. is currently the center of the world, the Rome of modern times. To this extent, each country that holds a diplomatic mission strives to make its representation, its presence to the host country, as good as possible. With this in mind, architecture is provided with a great opportunity to showcase the spirit of each country through the buildings that represent them, their embassies. The desire that sparked the idea of making a thesis about the Embassy of Chile may be traced to the experience of being a foreigner, a Chilean, living in Washington D.C. In the same manner that a person may represent its country, an embassy building gives the opportunity to express and show a lot of what that country is about; it has the potential of becoming a symbol for it. Although this may seem a very straightforward theme, it's actually very broad, and may be regarded in a number of ways. How do we represent Chile? What do we show? What don't we want to show? How do we express it? And even how can we define Chile. These were questions that had to be addressed before even thinking about designing the embassy. In order to this, the concept that had to be adopted had to be capable of handling this selective process. It's a process in which the person doing the representation also takes part in it. In other words, it's a process by which you are presenting yourself. Through research done at this stage of the thesis, the best way to describe the procedure was by making a Self Portrait. By adopting this concept we were given the possibility to create our own image of what Chile was, and to reveal and conceal whatever we thought was appropriate. / Master of Architecture

Layered light is a textile design project aiming to explore light as a design variable and its abilities to - in combination with layers of laser cut textiles - create dynamic patterns. The reason being to explore how light can be used to create the very pattern itself and what the textile quality can bring to the expression. Through a practice based working method, laser cutting has been used to manipulate different textile materials, that in combination with movement have resulted in range of design examples displaying various effects of the technique. Three of the found effects have been used to take forth a collection of patterns drawing inspiration from the elusive beauty of light in nature. One of which has been produced in a larger scale, exemplifying how the expression could be used in a spacial context. The result implicates the usefulness of integrating light early on in a design process and how textile and light can be combined to enhance each other all well as displaying a whole new expression for laser cut textiles.

A reparação óssea é um fator crítico para o sucesso de procedimentos odontológicos e ortopédicos que necessitem do corte ósseo, sendo desejado que esta ocorra de forma rápida e eficaz. Uma maior compreensão da reparação óssea em um nível estrutural e molecular é o primeiro passo para o desenvolvimento de técnicas de corte e terapias regenerativas. Neste contexto, a técnica de FTIR possibilita obter informações sobre a estrutura e composição de tecido mineralizado. O principal objetivo deste projeto foi verificar a eficácia da espectroscopia FTIR na caracterização de diferentes estágios da reparação óssea após a realização de remoção óssea utilizando duas ferramentas de corte: o laser de Er,Cr:YSGG ou uma broca carbide multilaminada, em alta rotação. Foi realizada a remoção de dois fragmentos ósseos da mandíbula de 30 coelhos, e o processo de reparação óssea foi estudado imediatamente, 3, 7, 15, 21, e 28 dias após o procedimento cirúrgico. Utilizou-se a técnica de espectroscopia FTIR para a aquisição das imagens espectrais dos diferentes estágios de reparação, e foi analisada a proporção entre os compostos do tecido utilizando as bandas de amidas, colágeno, carbonato e fosfato dos espectros de absorção. Também foi realizada a análise histológica dos mesmos estágios de reparação estudados. A técnica de espectroscopia FTIR se mostrou eficaz na caracterização do processo de reparação óssea. Observou-se uma tendência de aumento na proporção de compostos orgânicos até o Grupo 15D, após o qual houve aumento na proporção de compostos inorgânicos indicando maior mineralização após este período. Os resultados da análise histológica mostraram diferenças nos primeiros estágios de reparação entre o corte ósseo com o laser de Er,Cr:YSGG e a broca em alta rotação. Essas diferenças não foram detectadas na espectroscopia FTIR com as técnicas de análise utilizadas. Ainda assim, os resultados obtidos mostraram que a técnica de espectroscopia FTIR foi sensível às alterações de conteúdo orgânico no processo de reparação do tecido ósseo, podendo auxiliar com o desenvolvimento de novas técnicas e ferramentas para melhorar a eficiência deste processo. / Bone repair is a critical factor for the success of surgical procedures that require bone cut, and it is desired that it takes place quickly and effectively. The first step for the development of cutting techniques and regenerative therapies is a better understanding of bone repair in structural and molecular level. In this context, the FTIR technique allows one to obtain different information about the structure and composition of mineralized tissue. The main purpose of this project was to verify the effectiveness of FTIR spectroscopy in the characterization of different stages of bone healing process after the removal of a bone piece using two cutting tools: the Er,Cr:YSGG laser or a multilayered carbide bur at high rpm. Two jaw bone fragments were removed from 30 rabbits, and the process of bone repair was studied immediately, 3, 7, 15, 21, and 28 days after the surgery. The FTIR spectroscopy technique was used to acquire the spectral images of different stages of bone healing process, and the ratio of the bone compounds was analyzed using the bands of amide, collagen, carbonate and phosphate of the absorption spectra. Histological analysis was also performed to study the stages of bone repair. The FTIR technique was effective in characterizing the healing process. There was a trend between the proportions of organic and inorganic compounds that were comparable to the one observed in the histological analysis, showing that the FTIR technique is sensitive to changes that occur during the formation of new bone tissue. The results of the histological analysis showed differences in the early stages of bone repair between the cut with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and the drill. These differences were not detected in FTIR spectroscopy with the used technique. Still, the results show that the FTIR technique is sensitive to changes in the organic content of bone tissue repair process, and it could corroborate to the development of new techniques and tools that improves the efficiency of this process.

A reparação óssea é um fator crítico para o sucesso de procedimentos odontológicos e ortopédicos que necessitem do corte ósseo, sendo desejado que esta ocorra de forma rápida e eficaz. Uma maior compreensão da reparação óssea em um nível estrutural e molecular é o primeiro passo para o desenvolvimento de técnicas de corte e terapias regenerativas. Neste contexto, a técnica de FTIR possibilita obter informações sobre a estrutura e composição de tecido mineralizado. O principal objetivo deste projeto foi verificar a eficácia da espectroscopia FTIR na caracterização de diferentes estágios da reparação óssea após a realização de remoção óssea utilizando duas ferramentas de corte: o laser de Er,Cr:YSGG ou uma broca carbide multilaminada, em alta rotação. Foi realizada a remoção de dois fragmentos ósseos da mandíbula de 30 coelhos, e o processo de reparação óssea foi estudado imediatamente, 3, 7, 15, 21, e 28 dias após o procedimento cirúrgico. Utilizou-se a técnica de espectroscopia FTIR para a aquisição das imagens espectrais dos diferentes estágios de reparação, e foi analisada a proporção entre os compostos do tecido utilizando as bandas de amidas, colágeno, carbonato e fosfato dos espectros de absorção. Também foi realizada a análise histológica dos mesmos estágios de reparação estudados. A técnica de espectroscopia FTIR se mostrou eficaz na caracterização do processo de reparação óssea. Observou-se uma tendência de aumento na proporção de compostos orgânicos até o Grupo 15D, após o qual houve aumento na proporção de compostos inorgânicos indicando maior mineralização após este período. Os resultados da análise histológica mostraram diferenças nos primeiros estágios de reparação entre o corte ósseo com o laser de Er,Cr:YSGG e a broca em alta rotação. Essas diferenças não foram detectadas na espectroscopia FTIR com as técnicas de análise utilizadas. Ainda assim, os resultados obtidos mostraram que a técnica de espectroscopia FTIR foi sensível às alterações de conteúdo orgânico no processo de reparação do tecido ósseo, podendo auxiliar com o desenvolvimento de novas técnicas e ferramentas para melhorar a eficiência deste processo. / Bone repair is a critical factor for the success of surgical procedures that require bone cut, and it is desired that it takes place quickly and effectively. The first step for the development of cutting techniques and regenerative therapies is a better understanding of bone repair in structural and molecular level. In this context, the FTIR technique allows one to obtain different information about the structure and composition of mineralized tissue. The main purpose of this project was to verify the effectiveness of FTIR spectroscopy in the characterization of different stages of bone healing process after the removal of a bone piece using two cutting tools: the Er,Cr:YSGG laser or a multilayered carbide bur at high rpm. Two jaw bone fragments were removed from 30 rabbits, and the process of bone repair was studied immediately, 3, 7, 15, 21, and 28 days after the surgery. The FTIR spectroscopy technique was used to acquire the spectral images of different stages of bone healing process, and the ratio of the bone compounds was analyzed using the bands of amide, collagen, carbonate and phosphate of the absorption spectra. Histological analysis was also performed to study the stages of bone repair. The FTIR technique was effective in characterizing the healing process. There was a trend between the proportions of organic and inorganic compounds that were comparable to the one observed in the histological analysis, showing that the FTIR technique is sensitive to changes that occur during the formation of new bone tissue. The results of the histological analysis showed differences in the early stages of bone repair between the cut with the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and the drill. These differences were not detected in FTIR spectroscopy with the used technique. Still, the results show that the FTIR technique is sensitive to changes in the organic content of bone tissue repair process, and it could corroborate to the development of new techniques and tools that improves the efficiency of this process.

The use of natural light is very beneficial in office buildings because energy consumption can be reduced, and working conditions can be enhanced, which positively affect workers' health and productivity. However, bringing natural light into deep plan office buildings is not possible with simple windows or skylights, and light transport systems are necessary to bring natural light into the deep cores of buildings. Light transport systems usually need sun-tracking devices to collect natural light that are complicated, expensive and require continual maintenance. Mirrored light pipes coupled with laser cut panels (LCP) are a passive and simpler daylight transport solution and are the focus of this PhD research. The primary aim has been to improve the technology and achieve the most efficient passive solution possible through the interactive use of theoretical modelling, experimental measurements and case studies. Applications of this technology were investigated in two case studies: 1) as horizontal light pipes for daylight illumination of a high rise building proposal in the tropics; and 2) as vertical light pipes for daylight illumination of a middle-rise deep plan building proposal in a subtropical environment. In both cases, quantitative system performance under best (clear sunny sky) and worst (overcast) case scenarios was undertaken via scale model testing and mathematical modelling. The major conclusion for both case studies was that mirrored light pipe technologies, when coupled with LCP, were effective in introducing sufficient ambient light levels inside buildings and over distances > 20 m from the façade or roof. Average lux levels achieved in the space were 150 to 350 lux for the horizontal light pipes and 50 to 300 lux for vertical light pipes. However, as a passive solution, this technology has two major limitations: 1) the dependence on sun azimuth and elevation angles, which result in variations in illuminance levels during the day and the year; and potentially 2) pipe size, as pipes with a large diameter (e.g. 2 m in diameter for 20 m long pipes) are required for optimal performance, such that the large pipes may limit integration in building design. Two other solutions were assessed to circumvent these limitations to the mirrored light pipe technology: 1) a passive collector that concentrate natural light by using a fluorescent panel to reduce the size of the pipe, and 2) an active collector comprising a LCP rotating 360 degrees in a 24 hour cycle to reduce system dependence on sun azimuth and elevation angles. The low light-to-light efficiency of the fluorescent panels made them inappropriate for collecting sufficient amounts of daylight necessary for daylighting of large buildings. In contrast, the rotating LCP is a very simple active system that by rotating constantly at 15 degrees per hour, reduces the deviation angle between the panel orientation and sun azimuth angle, and significantly increased the system performance. The performance was generally better (e.g. 2.5 times better for light collection under low sun elevation angles) than the passive light pipe system with fixed LCP. However, active systems raise other issues in terms of cost-benefit in constructing, operating and maintaining such systems. Passive mirrored light pipes coupled with LCPs or simple active systems with rotating LCPs have great potential as daylight solutions for deep plan buildings as they can contribute to lowering overall energy consumption, improve workplace health and become an architectural design element. Research is still required on the implementation of the technology into buildings, but the growing trend towards 'green buildings', sustainable design and government regulations or building codes will require more daylighting use in buildings, and will motivate designers to increasingly consider and incorporate such daylighting strategies into future building designs.

This work explores norms of dress design by the use of post internetaesthetics in mens underwear. The exploration of underwear is based onmethods formed to create a wider concept of how mens underwear couldlook like regarding shape, color, material and details. Explorations of stereotypical and significant elements of underwear suchas graphics and logotypes has been reworked to create a graphical identitybound to a brand. This is made to contextualize the work aiming to present new options andvariety in mens underwear rather than stating examples using symbols orstereotypic elements. In the making of the examples for this work the process goes front and back from digital to physical using different media to create compositions of color, graphic designs and outlines using transfer printer, digital print, and laser cutting machine.

How can a textile designer work in an exploratory way to find methods and taking advantage as much of a fabrics surfaces as possible?   This work explores a combination of techniques as laser cutting and transfer printing, how they can be developed and combined to influence each other. The aim of this project is to explore the combined techniques of laser cutting and transfer printing, with a focus on designing adjustable printed textiles.   Through a method in practical working, exploration was carried out in techniques like laser cutting and transfer print, as well as the combined visual expression of several patterns with cut-outs and modularity.   The result of this project is three pieces each representing adjustment in different combinations; One adjustable repeat, modularity, and modularity with cutouts. All three except one consist of two repeated patterns on each side of the fabric. They present examples of how a textile can be changed, the relation between construction and surface print. They all show that a printed textile could be more than just a static surface.   By taking the method of printing two patterns and use laser cutting gives a value for both sides of the fabric and shows how to produce printed textiles with modularity. Additional material or more prints and colors could be investigated further.

This report outlines the conceptual, procedural and formal descriptions of the artistic development I have acquired over the course of the past three years. The current violent events caused by the War on Drugs in México –my home country- led me to this research. Beginning with the idea of erasure as language, I concentrated on the use of processes that are reductive in nature to create the bodies of work mentioned in this report. Thousands of people die in drug-related violence every year in México; by using metaphors and visual metonymies to tie together process and subject matter I explore the idea of perception, memory and transformation. I believe my work is derived from a need to find meaning in these brutal events that repositions the corpse in our field of vision, reminding us that our physical existence is finite. / text

Like Alike explores notions of pleasure and beauty through an examination of mundane activity. Pleasure is simple, uncomplicated niceness. Pleasure is forgettable and related to the norm. Beauty is complicated and hardly predicted. Finding beauty in the banal provides an escape from mundane life. The banal, then becomes unforgettable. The nondescript, everyday experience becomes important and gains meaning. Like Alike's electronic format is adapted from the original format of an artist book.

The use of elements that help the project designer to make the environments more comfortable and efficient comes from an analysis that identifies the best solutions for each reality. Studies show that the use of light redirection panels in side openings reduces the incidence of direct sunlight in the area near the window, increases diffuse light in the first third of the room closest to the window, and improves the overall distribution of light in the room. The present work studies the laser cut panel application in an urban verticalization scenario in Maceió. The methodology used is divided into two parts: the first one consists in the elaboration of an additional algorithm for the TropLux software that allows to simulate computationally the material chosen, and it’s performance was verified after a comparison of the reflectance and transmittance directional obtained, and the values found in literature; The second part aims to analyze the advanced element utilization in an denser urban environment using the developed algorithm, in which the models were analyzed using parameters of average illuminance and it’s uniformity, as well as the statistics analysis of the data. The validation carried out indicates that the operation of the module corresponds to other results obtained in literature, attesting its effectiveness. The urban models analysis results indicate that the panel positioned vertically, at 0 °, works well as sunscreen against the direct rays of the sun. For light redirection function the element presented better results for clear skies partially covered when applied at 30°, and at 45° of inclination for clear skies, independent of the urban canyon orientation. However, scenarios of reduced vision of sky, less than 20%, presented different behavior, this need complementary analysis. / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / A utilização de elementos que auxiliem o projetista a tornar os ambientes mais confortáveis e eficientes parte de uma análise que identifique as melhores soluções para cada contexto. Estudos mostram que a utilização de painéis de redirecionamento da luz em aberturas laterais reduz a incidência de luz direta do sol na área próxima da janela, aumenta luz difusa no primeiro terço da sala mais próximo a janela e melhora a distribuição total de luz no ambiente. O presente trabalho busca analisar a aplicação do painel de corte a laser em um cenário de verticalização urbana em Maceió. A metodologia utilizada se divide em duas partes: a primeira consiste na elaboração de um algoritmo adicional para o TropLux que permita simular computacionalmente o material escolhido, o seu desempenho foi verificado através da comparação da refletância e transmitância direcionais obtidas e os valores encontrados na literatura. A segunda parte busca analisar a utilização do elemento avançado em um cenário de adensamento urbano utilizando o algoritmo desenvolvido, onde os modelos foram analisados utilizando parâmetros de iluminância média e sua uniformidade, bem como uma análise estatística dos dados. A validação realizada aponta que o funcionamento do módulo corresponde a outros resultados da literatura, obtidos em medições com instrumentos, atestando a sua eficácia. A análise dos modelos urbanos aponta que o painel posicionado na vertical, a 0°, funciona bem como protetor solar contra os raios diretos do sol. Para função de redirecionamento da luz o elemento apresentou melhores resultados para céus parcialmente encobertos quando aplicado a 30° e para céus claros a 45° de inclinação, independente da orientação do cânion urbano. Entretanto cenários de reduzida visão de céu, menores que 20%, apresentaram comportamento distinto, requerendo análises complementares.