What keeps places unique in times of globalization? If information, goods, food, architecture are the same everywhere, what`s the difference between places? What are people identifying with? Eating habits are a main factor of cultural identification. How can architecture contribute to these feelings of belonging, self awareness and joy? How can it teach something about the place and the people living there? What if a new kind of culinary architecture can help opening people`s eyes towards their own eating culture? What if they would learn rediscovering and appreciating its richness there? The American mixture can be seen as a micro cosmos of the whole world under ongoing globalization. Since the U.S. is a very progressive country, I claim that studying their experiences can help us understand future trends of our global culture. Learning from their problems will help understand or even avoid the same problems elsewhere. One of the American challenges is obesity. Researchers expect U.S. life expectancy to fall dramatically in coming years because of obesity. This would be a startling shift in a long-running trend toward longer lives. What is American? How can the American culture be captured? How do Americans identify themselves? They are part of a blend of virtually every culture on this earth. Idealistically, nobody can be a stranger because everybody is. They have one thing in common: their ancestor`s or even their own history of dissatisfaction, hope, journey, arrival and good or bad luck in the new homeland. / Master of Architecture

O Brasil, no mercado mundial, ocupa lugar de destaque na extração e comercialização das rochas ornamentais e de revestimento, demonstrado pela produção mensal de chapas que é da ordem de 4 milhões de metros quadrados. Dentre suas as diversas formas de aplicações na construção civil, observa-se um incremento do uso em revestimentos de fachadas de edifícios, principalmente nos grandes centros urbanos. A forma de fixação das placas nas fachadas dos edifícios é feita com o auxílio de inserts metálicos, técnica desenvolvida na Alemanha e nos Estados Unidos. O presente trabalho trata da especificação e normatização das rochas ornamentais e, no caso específico dos revestimentos de fachadas, são apresentados diversos aspectos da seleção das placas de rocha e dos inserts metálicos e também o cálculo estrutural de um sistema de revestimento / Brazil procedures more than 4 million 'M POT.2'/month of dimension stones panels. Façades applications increases in last years. The stone façades cladding is accomplished with the use of metallic anchor, that was developed in German and U.S.A. The present work presents the requirements for selection of the stones and the anchor system, a methodology for the calculation of the stone and the anchor and main aspects of standardization regarding dimension stone

O Brasil, no mercado mundial, ocupa lugar de destaque na extração e comercialização das rochas ornamentais e de revestimento, demonstrado pela produção mensal de chapas que é da ordem de 4 milhões de metros quadrados. Dentre suas as diversas formas de aplicações na construção civil, observa-se um incremento do uso em revestimentos de fachadas de edifícios, principalmente nos grandes centros urbanos. A forma de fixação das placas nas fachadas dos edifícios é feita com o auxílio de inserts metálicos, técnica desenvolvida na Alemanha e nos Estados Unidos. O presente trabalho trata da especificação e normatização das rochas ornamentais e, no caso específico dos revestimentos de fachadas, são apresentados diversos aspectos da seleção das placas de rocha e dos inserts metálicos e também o cálculo estrutural de um sistema de revestimento / Brazil procedures more than 4 million 'M POT.2'/month of dimension stones panels. Façades applications increases in last years. The stone façades cladding is accomplished with the use of metallic anchor, that was developed in German and U.S.A. The present work presents the requirements for selection of the stones and the anchor system, a methodology for the calculation of the stone and the anchor and main aspects of standardization regarding dimension stone

Use of greisen - a rock mined primarily for (Sn-W) ore components - in sculpture and construction industry is typical for the Slavkovský les area and its surroundings. Material mined in the greisenized granite stock near Prameny for construction purposes was the source of stone used for a valuable Baroque sight - the Holy Trinity column in a nearby town of Teplá. Samples collected in the abandoned construction stone quarry were analysed for the study of properties of the original material mined in the locality Prameny. These samples were compared with the material collected from the monument in the pre-restoration research to prove the source locality of the original material. Provenance of the original material was determined on the basis of qualitative and quantitative petrographic and micro-structural characteristics. Micro-structural petrographic parameters of the studied samples were determined by the microscopic study using the Petrographic Image Analysis (PIA). Distribution of accessories and micro-structural characteristics were observed using the cathode-luminescence. Conventional index and mechanical parameters with respect to the use of the material in construction industry and sculpture were determined for the material collected in the abandoned quarry. Studied material collected in the...

Enterprise resource planning system (ERP system) is a standardized support system that aims to support the various functions of a company. Companies have different conditions for a successful implementation process due to the complexity of the ERP system. Implementation of ERP systems is also considered to be particularly difficult in small- to medium sized enterprises (SME) because the process is depending on resources. The natural stone industry is unique because of the natural material that require great adaptation and selection. Only about 20% of the material that is mined from the bedrock can be used for further production. SMEs and the natural stone industry have been dedicated to a little attention in research when it comes to implementation of ERP systems. Therefore, two knowledge gaps are identified where one gap represents a lack of literature on ERP systems for SMEs and the other represents the natural stone industry's unexplored conditions and challenges regarding the implementation of ERP systems. The purpose of this work is therefore to identify critical success factors as well as challenges small companies operating in the natural stone industry possess in order to implement an ERP system and how these companies can avoid a time-consuming process with high costs. To realize the purpose a survey was sent out to companies operating in the natural stone industry and are members of the Swedish Stone Industry Association. Thenceforth four interviews have been conducted with three companies who are members of the Swedish Stone Industry Association and a consultant working to implement ERP systems was interviewed. The theory is chosen based on the purpose and has been collected from scientific articles, literature and websites explaining key concepts for the work. Based on the findings, a model has been created to represent a cross-industry approach to achieve a successful process for ERP system implementation. The model aims to demonstrate an approach which is to create an awareness of any challenges that may arise. Challenges such as material characteristics, lack of leadership and lack of a holistic perspective. Based on these challenges, companies should then focus on success factors such as user attitudes for ERP, the use of project teams and a parallel test system to generate a successful implementation process. / Affärssystem är ett standardiserat verksamhetsbaserat stödsystem som syftar till att stödja en verksamhets olika funktioner. Verksamheter har olika förutsättningar för en lyckad implementeringsprocess på grund av affärssystemets komplexitet. Implementering av affärssystem anses även vara särskilt svårt i små- till medelstora företag (SMF) eftersom processen är resurskrävande. Naturstensbranschen är unik då det är naturmaterial som kräver stor anpassning och urval, endast ca 20% av materialet som bryts från berggrunden kan användas för vidare produktion. SMF och naturstensbranschen har blivit tillägnad lite uppmärksamhet inom forskning när det kommer till implementering av affärssystem. Därav har två kunskapsgap identifierats där det ena gapet representerar en avsaknad av litteratur om affärssystem för SMF och det andra representerar naturstensbranschens outforskade förutsättningar och utmaningar vid implementering av affärssystem. Syftet med detta arbete är därför att identifiera kritiska framgångsfaktorer såväl som utmaningar små företag verksamma i naturstensbranschen besitter för att kunna implementera ett affärssystem samt hur dessa företag kan undvika en kostsam och tidskrävande implementeringsprocess.  För att svara på syftet har en enkätundersökning genomförts med företag verksamma i naturstensbranschen som är medlemmar i Sveriges Stenindustriförbund. Därefter har fyra stycken intervjuer genomförts med tre stycken medlemsföretag i Sveriges Stenindustriförbund samt en konsult som jobbar med att implementera affärssystem. Teorin är vald utifrån arbetets syfte och frågeställningar och har samlats in från vetenskapliga artiklar, litteratur samt webbsidor som förklarar centrala begrepp för arbetet. Baserat på resultatet har en modell utformats för att representera ett branschövergripande tillvägagångssätt för att uppnå en framgångsrik implementeringsprocess av affärssystem. Modellen syftar till att visa ett tillvägagångssätt som går ut på att skapa en medvetenhet om eventuella utmaningar som kan uppstå vid implementering av affärssystem. Utmaningar som exempelvis materialets egenskaper, bristande ledarskap och avsaknad av helhetsperspektiv. Utifrån dessa utmaningar ska företagen sedan fokusera på framgångsfaktorer som användarnas inställning till affärssystemet, användning av projektteam samt ett parallellt testsystem ska generera en framgångsrik implementeringsprocess.

A pesquisa tem como enfoque fundamental a aplicação de novos materiais alternativos para uma construção sustentável. Pós residuais, provenientes do resíduo orgânico e do setor mineral, e fibras de sisal constituem bons exemplos de materiais não convencionais. Dessa forma, o objetivo principal foi avaliar a incorporação dos pós residuais e da fibra de sisal no concreto para a fabricação de blocos de concreto e elementos de alvenaria. Foram estudados três relações cimento: agregado, de 1:15, 1:10 e 1:6 (traços pobre, médio e rico), com a finalidade de produzir blocos estruturais com classe de resistência, de 4, 8 e 12 MPa, respectivamente. Para cada traço foi realizada a substituição da areia natural por pó de pedra com teores de 20%, 40%, 60% e 80%, em massa, e do cimento por pó de resíduo orgânico com teores de 5%, 10%, 15% e 20%, em massa. Foi feito o estudo da durabilidade da fibra de sisal em meio alcalino, com comprimento de 20 mm e fração volumétrica de 1% com relação ao concreto. Foram estudadas as propriedades físicas e mecânicas do concreto no estado fresco e endurecido. Os resultados mostraram que os pós residuais podem ser utilizados como fíler no concreto substituindo parte da matéria prima, uma vez que causaram o correto empacotamento nos agregados e na pasta de cimento. O estudo estatístico utilizando a técnica do Bootstrap mostrou que para o pó de pedra, a porcentagem ideal para a substituição da areia pelo pó no concreto foi de 60% para os traços 1:15 e 1:10 e de 40% para o traço 1:6. Já no pó de resíduo orgânico, concretos com baixo consumo de cimento, o resíduo não teve um correto enchimento na matriz cimentícia; com médio consumo, o concreto com 5% de pó apresentou propriedades mecânicas e físicas superiores ao concreto de referência; e em misturas ricas em cimento, porcentagens até 10% provocaram um correto desempenho mecânico quando comparados ao concreto de referência. O sisal apresentou alta durabilidade em matrizes cimentícias modificadas com materiais pozolânicos devido à diminuição do hidróxido de cálcio (CH). Foi possível concluir que os blocos de concreto modificados com os materiais alternativos apresentaram qualidade compatível com as exigências da construção civil nacional e podem ser utilizados também como unidades de vedação. / This research deals with the use of new alternative materials for sustainable construction. The use of residual powder materials, from organic residue and from mineral sector, and sisal fibers are good examples of unconventional materials that can be used. The main objective is to evaluate the use of residual powders and sisal fibers in the production of structural masonry blocks. Three types of mixtures for cement consumption were studied: aggregate/cement (A/C) ratios of 15, 10, and 6, in order to produce blocks structural strength classes of 4, 8 and 12 MPa, respectively. For each trace the cement were replaced by powder organic waste at levels of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, and natural sand replaced by stone powder at levels of 20%, 40%, 60% and 80%. A study was carried out in order to evaluate the durability of sisal fiber in the alkaline medium, with length of 20 mm and 1% volume fraction on the concrete. The physical and mechanical properties of fresh and hardened concrete were studied. The results showed that residual powder can be used as filler in concrete by replacing part of the raw material, since they caused the correct packaging in the aggregates and in the cement paste. The statistical analysis using the Bootstrap technique showed that for the stone powder the optimal percentage for replacing the sand was 60% for 15:1 and 10:1 traces and 40% for 6:1 trace. As for the organic residual powder, the results showed that the reference concrete had higher compressive strength than the concrete with low cement content (A/C ratio of 15:1). However, samples made with 5% powder and an A/C ratio of 10:1 showed greater physical and mechanical properties strength than the reference concrete. Mixtures rich in cement (A/C ratio of 6:1) and the powder replacements of up to 10% resulted in the best mechanical behavior. The sisal showed high durability in modified cementitious matrices with pozzolanic materials due to decreased calcium hydroxide (CH). It was concluded that the blocks modified with alternative materials showed quality compatible with the requirements of national construction.

A pesquisa tem como enfoque fundamental a aplicação de novos materiais alternativos para uma construção sustentável. Pós residuais, provenientes do resíduo orgânico e do setor mineral, e fibras de sisal constituem bons exemplos de materiais não convencionais. Dessa forma, o objetivo principal foi avaliar a incorporação dos pós residuais e da fibra de sisal no concreto para a fabricação de blocos de concreto e elementos de alvenaria. Foram estudados três relações cimento: agregado, de 1:15, 1:10 e 1:6 (traços pobre, médio e rico), com a finalidade de produzir blocos estruturais com classe de resistência, de 4, 8 e 12 MPa, respectivamente. Para cada traço foi realizada a substituição da areia natural por pó de pedra com teores de 20%, 40%, 60% e 80%, em massa, e do cimento por pó de resíduo orgânico com teores de 5%, 10%, 15% e 20%, em massa. Foi feito o estudo da durabilidade da fibra de sisal em meio alcalino, com comprimento de 20 mm e fração volumétrica de 1% com relação ao concreto. Foram estudadas as propriedades físicas e mecânicas do concreto no estado fresco e endurecido. Os resultados mostraram que os pós residuais podem ser utilizados como fíler no concreto substituindo parte da matéria prima, uma vez que causaram o correto empacotamento nos agregados e na pasta de cimento. O estudo estatístico utilizando a técnica do Bootstrap mostrou que para o pó de pedra, a porcentagem ideal para a substituição da areia pelo pó no concreto foi de 60% para os traços 1:15 e 1:10 e de 40% para o traço 1:6. Já no pó de resíduo orgânico, concretos com baixo consumo de cimento, o resíduo não teve um correto enchimento na matriz cimentícia; com médio consumo, o concreto com 5% de pó apresentou propriedades mecânicas e físicas superiores ao concreto de referência; e em misturas ricas em cimento, porcentagens até 10% provocaram um correto desempenho mecânico quando comparados ao concreto de referência. O sisal apresentou alta durabilidade em matrizes cimentícias modificadas com materiais pozolânicos devido à diminuição do hidróxido de cálcio (CH). Foi possível concluir que os blocos de concreto modificados com os materiais alternativos apresentaram qualidade compatível com as exigências da construção civil nacional e podem ser utilizados também como unidades de vedação. / This research deals with the use of new alternative materials for sustainable construction. The use of residual powder materials, from organic residue and from mineral sector, and sisal fibers are good examples of unconventional materials that can be used. The main objective is to evaluate the use of residual powders and sisal fibers in the production of structural masonry blocks. Three types of mixtures for cement consumption were studied: aggregate/cement (A/C) ratios of 15, 10, and 6, in order to produce blocks structural strength classes of 4, 8 and 12 MPa, respectively. For each trace the cement were replaced by powder organic waste at levels of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, and natural sand replaced by stone powder at levels of 20%, 40%, 60% and 80%. A study was carried out in order to evaluate the durability of sisal fiber in the alkaline medium, with length of 20 mm and 1% volume fraction on the concrete. The physical and mechanical properties of fresh and hardened concrete were studied. The results showed that residual powder can be used as filler in concrete by replacing part of the raw material, since they caused the correct packaging in the aggregates and in the cement paste. The statistical analysis using the Bootstrap technique showed that for the stone powder the optimal percentage for replacing the sand was 60% for 15:1 and 10:1 traces and 40% for 6:1 trace. As for the organic residual powder, the results showed that the reference concrete had higher compressive strength than the concrete with low cement content (A/C ratio of 15:1). However, samples made with 5% powder and an A/C ratio of 10:1 showed greater physical and mechanical properties strength than the reference concrete. Mixtures rich in cement (A/C ratio of 6:1) and the powder replacements of up to 10% resulted in the best mechanical behavior. The sisal showed high durability in modified cementitious matrices with pozzolanic materials due to decreased calcium hydroxide (CH). It was concluded that the blocks modified with alternative materials showed quality compatible with the requirements of national construction.

Das Thema der Ausschreibung hat mich zu einer Fußbodengestaltung für den öffentlichen Raum inspiriert, die von der Natur durchdrungen und in Besitz genommen werden kann. Die kreisrunde Fläche besteht aus sechs durchbrochenen Betonsegmenten, die in Serie produziert und variabel gestaltet werden können, z. B. mit Mosaiken aus farbigen Keramikscherben oder Natursteinen. Die Mitte der sechs Segmente bildet eine flache Schale, die als Springbrunnen oder Wasserschale gedacht ist. Die mit Erde gefüllten Durchbrüche in den Segmenten können mit Wildblumen bepflanzt werden, die Bienen, Schmetterlinge und andere Insekten anlocken. Die Wasserschale soll Insekten und Vögeln als Tränke dienen. In der vegetationsarmen Jahreszeit sorgt das Blütenornament der Bodengestaltung für eine freundliche Atmosphäre. Es tritt im Frühling und Sommer zunehmend hinter der Natur zurück, die sich aus ihm heraus entfaltet und es zu einer kleinen Oase werden lässt.