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Introduction: The article addresses the possibility of using universal energy-efficient engineering and technological solutions in mass housing construction, regardless of the climatic region of construction, with account for modern development in Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation) and Münster (Germany). The article not only considers improvements in building technologies used in modern housing construction but also offers an overview of the latest energy-efficient materials and structures. Purpose of the study: We aimed to introduce energy-efficient solutions in housing construction using innovative technologies and materials. In addition to theoretical materials, practical calculations will be presented, clearly showing the advantages and disadvantages of various engineering and technical solutions. Methods: In the course of the study, we used a) a comparative analysis of physical and thermal properties as well as strength characteristics of building materials used in mass housing construction; b) a problem-logical method to analyze possible typical space-planning and structural solutions for the design and construction of buildings, with account for climatic conditions and geographical features of the construction region, in compliance with the basic principles of modern sustainable construction, energy and environmental standards, economic efficiency of the solutions used, in accordance with international European LEED and BREEAM and Russian GREEN ZOOM standards. Results: We propose to introduce, along with the already well-known and time-tested ones, innovative patented solutions in materials and construction technologies both in private and mass housing construction in the countries under consideration: Russian Federation and Germany. Discussion: The discussion of field tests and implementation of the latest building materials in housing construction clearly demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in this field at various levels. As a consequence of the growing volume of housing construction and energy consumption, there emerge new stricter requirements and standards for the quality of materials produced and their technical characteristics, as well as a variety of decorative solutions enabling the construction market to be competitive and meet the over-demand requirements of the rapidly developing industrial society, while necessarily taking environmental protection measures, including those on conservation and mindful use of natural resources.

Traditional materials and ancient techniques no longer satisfy the expressive and creative requirements of students and artists in the current modern and contemporary art era. This prompted them to use modern techniques and raw materials from their surroundings and adapt these materials in innovative and different ways to use on the surface of their art work. The progress of modern technologies and the development of raw materials have contributed to the enrichment of fresco art, however, an appropriate way of implementation within the Department of Painting, which recognizes and matures current twenty-first century knowledge on fresco painting, is still required. Here we will discuss an important question; what recent changes have occurred with regards to the methods and materials used in the creation of fresco art (plaster painting)? How will we benefit from utilizing modern materials to enrich fresco art? How can we avoid the use of ancient raw materials that created for artist ill-health and replace them with new materials that are both easier to obtain and are safe for the fresco artist to use?The goal of the research is to provide an introduction into the art of fresco and identify new treatments of modern plastic materials that can be adapted for use in fresco art. The use of these materials is both time and cost effective for the students, derived from historically accurate methods, in a contemporary manner. The study aims to study the methods of treatment of modern techniques and materials used in fresco through the descriptive research method carried out by the researcher on a sample of third and fourth year students over the four years from 2014 to 2018.The limits of research is the study of the historical development of art And used in this research new materials and techniques such as latex paste, stucco and white glue in certain percentages to reach the mortar used to draw it using oxides and water colors.This research has demonstrated that technical and technological progresses play a great role in the development of new materials for artists. The researcher recommends alternative solutions via the employment of modern technologically-based materials to reveal and enhance the most important characteristics and features of the fresco art work.

Until today, in most European countries there is no juridical definition or legal recognition of the profession of the conservator-restorer. This fact means an almost complete lack of specific regulations anticipating conservation-restoration activities and stipulating the quality of these activities. The absolute need for qualified professionals, for a legal status, for an evaluation of the dynamics in a conservation–restoration project and finally for an analysis of the essential methodological steps of the conservation project require evidence of professional responsibility, competence and qualification. At the very beginning of the conservation of 20th century architecture, the professional figure of the architect wasn´t discussed in his historically grown leading position. The task of the conservator-restorer and of the conservation sciences at that time was to take part in a planning process that often started with a “reconstruction concept” for regaining the lost “original” design of the architecture. It seemed to be more important to reconstruct “ideas” than to follow the traces of the authentic materials, and to document and conserve them. Often this was justified with the alleged “special status” of modern architecture which was supposed to be too fragile and too ephemeral to be conserved in the same way as other historical monuments. This article wants to illustrate that effective “project management” based on a shared and transparent theoretical fundament is able to bring about a conciliation of the apparently diametrically opposed opinions and concepts of “Conservation” and “Reconstruction”.

• A study about the shot-earth as building material is proposed. • The working principle of the shotcrete is here extended to rammed earth. • The shot-earth is based on soil coming from excavation in construction sites. • An experimental campaign has been carried out to assess the mechanical performance of shot-earth. • It is shown that shot-earth resembles a low strength concrete. Earth has been used worldwide as a building material for centuries and it is still one of the most used construction materials. In many countries the excavated soil is becoming one of the largest construction waste and its disposal is costly and problematic. For this reason, there is a rising interest in employing the excavated soil directly in field, possibly as an added value construction material. In this paper a new type of rammed earth is presented. This new material is based on the shotcrete technology and has been named shot-earth. A mix of stabilized soil, aggregates and water is consolidated by high speed projection rather than by mechanical compaction to obtain both structural and non-structural elements. The first characterization of the physical properties of this material has shown the great potential of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]