(November 2011)

Wonasa created itself one year ago in Verona and by now counts 37 members from 14 countries. The organization’s charter states that Wonasa’s main reason for being lies in the advancement of natural stone.

„Wonasa has decided to give the highest priority to sponsoring technical studies in prestigious institutions on aspects such as natural stone as an ecologically green product“ according to a press release. President of the organization, Veeramani, announced that the organization would undertake a self-financed analysis of natural stone as a building material for earthquake regions. Stone buildings resisted the devastation of the Kobe earthquake in 1995 better than buildings constructed in other materials.

The organisation’s logo was also decreed, the design of which was chosen among entries competing for a purse of 3,000 US-$. The organization’s webpage is underway soon to be accessible under http://www.wonasa.com.

Contact: Secretary-general C. Kaliannan (Mail)

(October 2011)

Note: it is not the aim to maximize returns on scrap. In fact the high quality of design material experience added value through the eco-friendly processing. The fact that a renowned high profile company the likes of Daenert profits of the recycling aspect shows just how valuable this feature is.

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This is not breaking news – but the fact that longevity of material boils down to recycling qualities is.

This is mirrored in the PR campaign of the glass and aluminium industries where recycling is the only buzzword at this time. Other aspects are literally swept under the carpet.

The development is dangerous for the natural stone industry. The branch never expounded on recyclables – rather choosing to expose the longevity aspect of the material as such.

Let us turn to current examples for recycling of natural stone.

Next to Daenert’s „Barcode“ Belgian based Rotor Studios has a high profile example to present. Members of the Rotor Studios’ workforce were quick to seize the opportunity when marble siding slabs were on the University of Brussels were being demolished giving the stone new life in form of tables mounted on scrap metal frames complete with scrap wood seating.

Readers will recall that recycling stone pillars was already practiced in ancient times when Greek and Roman columns found their way to sites in the Northern latitudes at which cathedrals were being built.

The modern version of reclaiming natural stone treasures is being practiced by a number of companies specializing in stone floor tiles from castles. Cobblestones are generally reclaimed, albeit without reference to provenance.

One impressive example of sustainability can be seen in New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge Park, where wood reclaimed after demolition of warehouses was turned into park benches and granite from two bridges has morphed to steps along the river banks. „It is our aim to sustain history’s strata“ according to a video by the architects.

One non-profit recycling idea originates from the USA. Habitat for Humanity has established a ReStone where used stone countertops are distributed among those living on a tight budget.

An entirely new idea is presented on British based Stonelocator’s webpage since July of this year: here scrap stone can be posted for sale provided they measure at least 0.25 m². We were not able to find out if the concept actually works – our question remained unanswered.

In short: stone is a natural for recycling. Even small chips have a great longevity, at the end of their life-cycle as gravel or gabion constructions. The maxim in product development is: „waste is design gone wrong.“

The US and German Cash-for-Clunkers-program was the seed for a new thought: the program, which pays owners to scrap their old cars and purchase new ones might be transposed to the stone branch. Could producers of natural stone turn a recycling guarantee into advertisement for their product?

Conceivably a trade organization could help realize the idea by founding a self-financing company. Turnover could be attained twofold: first in recycling and selling the product itself and second by means of the initial purchase for which the customer would pay a deposit.

Would the idea catch on among consumers? Certainly „Lohas“ would jump on the band wagon. US Consumer scientist Paul Ray describes the group as consumers for whom Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability play a central role. Their motto: ‚shop to make the world better’. Paul Ray suspects that fully one third of consumers belong to this group.

And the trade organizations? We asked the European natural stone umbrella organization Euroroc whose secretary general Professor Gerd Merke told us: „particularly in the case of large building projects the idea of Cash-for-Clunkers is enticing. A great deal of reconnaissance work will have to be done before our members can grasp hold of the idea.“

Draenert

Rotor

Brooklyn Bridge Park (Video, 1)

Stonelocator

Lohas

(July 2011)

The event was conceived to counter Carrara Marmotec trade fair’s loss of importance. It was, after all, formerly the most important branch event until the Veronese competitor Marmomacc took over the lead. The former first address as a global producer of natural stone at the foot of the Apulian Alps has suffered painful losses which were competitor’s gain in Asia.

Moreover the fair now takes place on a bi-annual basis – so it is wise to draw attention to the region by alternate means in the interim.

Giorgio Bianchini is a man with unusual ideas and the gift to instil enthusiasm. The concept behind the cultural event boils down to one simple goal: reviving „Carrara“ brand’s leadership position globally by first sowing the seed of inspiration among insiders.

Bringing design, art and architecture to the historic centre, performances and light-shows were staged from June 8th to 12th whereby neither locals nor visitors could help but see that marble is the pivotal point around which the region revolves. Many of the spectacular objects like the 14t Cadillac made of Arabescato White completed in 1986 by SGF Workshop, the 0-cube by Norwegian architects Snøhetta or the over-sized reproduction of Michelangelo’s David in resin by Studi D’arte Michelangelo, Prof. Luciano Massari, were nothing short of spectacular.

The realization, too, is worth mentioning. Like a red herring drawn along four paths through the historic centre of Carrara, each informed visitors in one of four „languages“.

One of the „languages“ is „matter“ where 11 blocks were a total of 11 stone blocks were strewn about enhanced e.g. by pictures of quarry workers. The example is meant to demonstrate the implementation of natural stone for various applications.

Another „tongue“ was „architecture/design“ distinguished by a documentation of the One World Trade Centre currently under construction and the 0-cube, which we introduced in a former issue. It was lit up after dark to symbolizing the path of humanity through architecture and light.

The „art-language“ showed marble sculptures by 6 studios, among them works by Fancesco Cremoni. Elle Arte Company, specialising in co-operations with sculptors, presented two right-angled marble sculptures by Jean Gabriel Coignet and a so-called „Mask“ in red travertine by Robert Courtright.

Last but not least the „language“: „communication“ also revolved around design i.e. how a voice is lent to the material is brought into scene.

Beyond these main pieces many smaller presentations and installations were shown wetting visitor’s appetite for more. The organizers even set up a theatre especially for the bambini in which the interaction of man, nature and cities was the theme. A group of 40 architects from around the world was invited to visit firms and quarries.

Of course such an event would not be complete without a cultural component. This was the round-table-discussion where invited experts expressed their infectious enthusiasm for Carrara marble, as expected.

All events were free of charge for visitors.

The event was a resounding success – so much so, that it was extended by two weeks to the June 26th.

The Event took place under the joint auspices of the province of Toscana, the Carrara-Massa region and the city of Carrara itself and was sponsored by the Carrara Savings Bank which also assists the region with endowments though the Carrara Savings Bank Foundation, and the lighting company Martinelli Luce. The local Fine Arts Academy provided the enclosed setting.

Last but by no means least, we mention the co-operating stone firms: Franchi Umberto Marmi, GEMEG, Il Fiorino, MT&S, Italmarble Pocai, Savema, Società Apuana Marmi, Up Group.

Carrara Marble Week

Photos: CarraraFiere

(July 2011)

That is pure nonsense. We have compiled a few facts regarding ecological aspects of natural stone. No figures – so everyone can easily grasp the content.

The IF Design GmbH statement implies that quarrying scars the landscape.

This is true but is also true for cinderblock and concrete. They are comprised of sand (with varying grain depending on the type) which also does not rain down from above. Natural stone usually produces craters mostly in mountains. Concrete strips the plane. Nature recaptures the area – plant and animal life are quickly restored.

But the energy used to produce concrete is much higher than needed to produce a comparable natural stone product. Concrete requires cement as an adhesive and cement has a negative ecological balance. It is produced in huge ovens. The branch is currently seeking ways to reduce energy consumption.

Natural stone is ready-made. It simply needs to be taken.

Transportation requirements apply equally to both materials.

Another important aspect in a product’s eco-life-cycle is its ability to be recycled. In this respect steel and glass e.g. have a better life-cycle balance. These can be melted down and reused if disposal was carried out properly.

Natural stone, on the other hand, can be reused but a certain amount of down cycling takes place to the effect that finally the stone turns to mere gravel – with manifold usage, albeit.

Concrete blocks, in contrast, usually have but one life and subsequently land in the refuse disposal.

But recycling of glass and steel is no easy task either. Each new life requires melting down, which requires a great deal of energy.

Only naturally growing products like wood attain top marks here.

As far as longevity is concerned, stone seems to be unbeatable as demonstrated by the Egyptian pyramids – impervious even to UV-rays.

But this aspect is not important in stone’s eco-balance. No-one builds for eons anymore. Buildings are conceived to last for one generation – about 30 years. Thus concrete and stone run neck-a-neck in this aspect of the race.

Hard to understand, then, how IF Design can draw the conclusion that concrete is superior to stone.

Link to the IF Design-site (German)

(May 2011) „Zero“ reminded us of the Grand Arch in Paris’ District La Défense: a cube devoid of front and back in Carrara marble open to see and walk through. Whereas the Paris construction is conceived as a counterpoint to the Arche de Triomphe measuring 100 m, „Zero“ is a mere 5 m in length and has irregular inner walls.

The piece was on exhibit in the court of the university during the „Settimana Milanese del Design“ („Milan Design Week“) in April. Stimulated by the Carrara Marmotec, Norway’s Snøhetta Architects, already known for their design of the Oslo Opera House in white marble, developed „Zero“ to demonstrate the various design possibilities of the stone, e.g. the various surfaces on the interior of the cube.

The project was completed by a total of 8 companies from around Carrara: Franchi Umberto Marmi, GEMEG, Il Fiorino, Italmarble di Pocai, MT&S, SAM, Savema, Up Group in cooperation with Italian architects Paolo Armenise+Silva Nerbi.

Photos: IMM Carrara

Carrara Marble Week

The aim of marketing is not to directly increase turnover but rather to make a name for oneself – creating a buzz. In contrast to basic human needs such as eating, drinking, and, yes, what else beside sleeping..? – there are non-essential desires of which a customer must constantly be reminded.

This is the concept pursued by Marmotec in Carrara at its Marble Week held from June 8th to 12th at the foot of the Apulian Alps. The fair takes place but bi-annually and the added attention is good for the region’s marketing.

Visitors and Milanese alike have „5 days to talk about one subject, Carrara’s marble, through different languages with different people“. 5 routes are specially marked: design in marble, the material as such, art, architecture and communication, according to information provided in the program.

Carrara Marble Week

(May 2011) Natural stone is not usually viewed as the material of unlimited possibilities by the creative. But help is at hand: designer Ludson Zampirolli was the invited guest at this year’s Revestir Trade Fair held from March 22nd to 25th in São Paulo, Sebrae, the trade organization for the advancement of small and mid-sized enterprises and showed participants how to play with and realize a few ideas beyond the usual in homes and offices.

The enthusiasm with which visitors embraced Zampirolli’s novel ideas was most surprising: „We had no idea that something of this sort could be realized in natural stone“, was a comment often heard at the Sebrae stand.

E.g. the installation „Anamorphose“ which has its roots in a Renaissance concept and plays with perspective – the motif is completely visible only from one special angle – from all other perspectives the motif is distorted or unrecognizable. Artists historically sometimes used the concept to transmit secret messages. Predominant material used was white Botticcino lime stone and blue Azul imperial quartzite both provided by Rossittis Brasil.

Zampirolli’s „Tampos de Mesa“ („Tabletop“) hanging on the wall as seen in our photo, was also the object of raised eyebrows. The patterns were familiar albeit refreshingly different with respect to the usual tables in Vienna Coffeehouse style. Crema Marfil limestone and Sodalite Blue as well as 3 types of engineered Silestone were implemented.

„Colmeia“ („Beehive“) countertop had a somewhat higher standard to live up in Botticcino and Syenite limestone by Marrom Bahia.

Thoroughly innovative, on the other hand, was the „Butterfly“ coffee table made of Navona travertine and developed by Zampirolli especially for female clients: „Women love butterflies“, according to the designer, himself husband and father of a young daughter, „and women decide on furnishing the home“. So with a view to the target group, he had the fluttering animals cut out of the stone by means of a water jet.

Visitors to the fair were impressed by the unusual combination of natural motif and natural material.

Last but not least let us mention the washbasin „Cuba superslim“ made of Techlam engineered stone by Levantina. The aim was production of light products for e.g. offices: the washbasin is 100 cm long x 55 cm wide x 2.5 cm thick and weighs a mere 8 kg. The work surface on the wall was dubbed „Levissimo“ („Levitation“).

„Colmeia“ („Beehive“) was realized by Marmoraria Itaici, the other pieces by Marmoraria Nerycom.

Ludson Zampirolli, Z.Idea Design

Photos: Ludson Zampirolli

The Revestir trade fair takes place every year in São Paulo and is one of the most important meeting places for architects and designers from the South and Central America. This year the fair counted 42,000 visitors and some 200 exhibitors spread over a surface of 21,500 m². 800 visitors and 40 exhibitors represented 60 countries. Parallel to the trade fair the International Forum for Architecture and construction took place.

Revestir trade fair

(December 2010)

The closing report is now available. Ten groups of scientists from Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Italy as well as Great Britain, Belgium and Norway presented their findings. The report written in English (ISBN 978-82-7385-138-3, ISSN 0801-5961) is available at a cost of 200 Norwegian Crowns (or approx. 25 €), comprises 183 pages and a number of remarkable photos. See the web page for information on how to order your copy.

One of the aims of the project was to document heritage site quarries and to rediscover lost ones. Where quarries were opened to build cities, the latter often simply consumed them.

Separate studies are dedicated to e.g. the mining of alabaster for stone coffins in Egypt or to building material to construct the Roman city of Gerasa, today situated in Jordan. Sargalassos in Turkey is a point in case to implement quarries as tourist attractions in their own right and not only as a site for view royal dwellings.

Quarry Scapes

Ideas for former quarries

The Portuguese city of Braga is a famous example: Here Architects designed the FIFA 2004 stadium in a former quarry. Seating is provided only on the two lengths; the head of the stadium is a sheer stone wall now bearing the scoreboard – the foot opens to the landscape.

Paris’ famous Montmartre cemetery was, in fact, a former gypsum mine.

Indeed, any location with a former quarry can call itself lucky as it has an inherent recreational area to call its own. This was a central theme at this year’s Marmomacc in Verona. Under the title of „Quarry Architecture“ („Architetture di Cava“) a coffee-table-book encompassing 160 pages and numerous photos was published in Italian and English (Faenza Scientifics, ISBN 88-6116-127-8).

One of a number of presentations is the tram meandering along the Mediterranean coast near Alicante which was an ancient strip mine. The Eden Project in the South of the British Isle in Cornwall is a botanical garden built under a roof – a defunct kaolin mine. Other examples are from Greece, Spain, France, Great Britain and Sweden.

Quarries still in use are not usually attributed such high marks – at least not from citizens nearby or friends of nature and the outdoors. But a turn of the century German compromise between quarry owners and ecologists is worth mentioning: the quarry owners committed to sustainability and protection of wildlife such as owl and lizards in return for a moratorium on the part of the ecologists.

An example of art at work in an active quarry was delivered at the Carrara Trade Fair this year. A video was uploaded and can be viewed.

(December 2010)

All of these and more were designed and constructed on the occasion of the Swiss Stone Masons’ and Sculptors’ Trade Association’s (Verband Schweizer Bildhauer- und Steinmetzmeister, VSBS) 100th anniversary. First exhibited throughout St Galen in a common exhibit, some pieces were sold and now all are distributed over the country. German craftspeople were involved in designing and completing some of the works.

The idea behind the marketing event was born by the Association’s CEO Daniela Urfer and was carried out by sculptor Ernesto Ghenzi. The stone blocks were donated by associated firms. The cost of material alone for some of the pieces ran in the 10,000 Swiss Franc-range (approx. 7,400 €).

The association hopes to shed a new and surprising light on its working sphere and on the work of sculptors and stone masons according to trade journalist Robert Stadler (see below) in the German trade journal „Stein“. Conclusion: „The surprise was a success“.

A brochure shows and describes the 100 resting stones and names the suppliers of the raw blocks implemented. It can be downloaded in pdf-format free of charge (German) or in print as a book for 30 CHF (Mail, Tel: +41 31 970 0881).

By the way: for a number of years now, Switzerland is world leader in pro-capita use of natural stone.

Verband Schweizer Bildhauer- und Steinmetzmeister (VSBS, German)

Photos: Robert Stadler, Zürich (Mail)

Daniel und Sabine Burla (Mail)

Horst Bohnet (German)

Marcel Robert-Tissot (Mail)

Ernesto Ghenzi (German)

Simon Weber (German)

Jonas Brandenberg (German)

(November 2010) Wonasa is the acronym for the newly launched natural stone world organization presented at this year’s Marmomacc – two years in the making by the „World Natural Stone Association“.

The organization’s chief executives were introduced on the fair’s opening-day press-conference: President is R. Veeramani (India, Gem Granites), Joint Vice Presidents are Antonio José Guidoni (Brazil, Mineração Guidoni), Medhat Mustafa Attia (Egypt, Sinai) and John-Petter Gundersen (Norway, Lundhs). Secretary General is C. Kaliannan (India, Metal Management Services), who also takes on the day to day running of the office, and the Deputy Secretary General Paulo Lucio Florio Giafrov (Brazil, DGG Stones).

Public relations for the stone branch is Wonasa’s main assignment. As President Veeramani expounded in his opening statement, the ecological advantages of stone as compared to other materials is a little known fact as is the awareness of its unique position as the first and foremost building material used by mankind in early civilized cultures. Man did not have to learn to produce stone: „Stone is a gift of God to mankind.“

A later published press-release gives a detailed overview of the themes to be dealt with:

„1 To promote and increase the use of natural stone in the world markets.

2 To educate the stone industry and society of the positive features and advantages of natural stones, a natural green product.

3 To identify the new challenges facing the industry in the globalised, modern world and to develop solutions for facing them.

4 To encourage new Ideas, Technology and exchange of information relevant to the natural stone industry in a mutually, beneficial way.

5 To interact with international organizations and different government authorities, when necessary, with the objective of promoting the natural stone industry and encouraging industry friendly pro active policies.

6. To ensure eco friendly, sustainable mining with full safety standard.“

Wonasa was registered and founded in Chennai and thus is legally subject to Indian law which stipulates that 10 is the minimum required number of founding members. Anyone „who has a passion for natural stone“ is eligible according to Anil Taneja (Spain, Publicaciones Litos), also seated on the podium at the press conference. It was mentioned on the side, that the approval of two members is a required precondition to membership as is the entrance fee of 500 US-$. The yearly membership fee is also 500 US-$.

One of the organization’s statutes stipulates that no one country may comprise more than 25% of members. First step is launching a web site. Some 80 participants were counted at the opening event in Verona.

Wonasa will make it’s first official appearance at the Kamien-Stone-Fair in Poznan on November 10th at 4. p.m. (pavilion 14B, room A) and President Veerami will address participants. Theme of the presentation following the opening speech will be „Why natural stone is the best option“ and „Why demand for natural stone in Poland must grow“ at the end of which a discussion will take place, closing with a cocktail reception.

Functioning secretary and addressee in the preliminary office is C. Kaliannan (Mail), Tel: +91 44 2811 6107, Fax: +91 44 2811 1159.

Comment

The birth of Wonasa did have its ups and downs. To begin with, granite producers clearly dominate with but one representative for marble and none for sandstone or slate.

Noteworthy, too, that despite lengthy preparations other trans-national organisations were not even consulted. This was confirmed by the Marble Institute of America (MIA), whose members are not exclusively American, as well as Euroroc, a cooperative effort of European organisations.

This was explained away with the fact that Wonasa-initiators met in many different locations making it all but impossible to meet with other organisations. But it is hoped „that the others come“ (Veeramani).

Our conclusion: every initiative working pro stone industry is meaningful. But because national and trans-national organisations already exist and do as good a job as possible under the circumstances, Wonasa would be well advised to join forces with them rather than pursue new paths.

It is not the job of a global organisation to lecture and point fingers – rather the global organisation must address global themes.

We wish the new Organisation well and good luck.

Dear reader, If you wish to comment on the text, please mail your contribution or comments to Peter Becker (Mail) including your name and mail address. We will start a blog. We regret that comments, which do not contain the name and address of its author will not be published.

(August 2010)

For the stone branch initiatives of this sort present an opportunity to contribute as a sponsor with the added value of PR of their own. This is not a new occurrence even though seldom used in the stone branch. But the Geological Paths are worth mentioning because of the internet presence, widening the scope of their sphere of action considerably.

67 pages have been published by the Geological Service of the province of Rio de Janeiro (Serviço Geológico do Estado do Rio de Janeiro), initiator of the projects, thus far. E.g. the Nature Reserve Iguaçu with its famous waterfall, where prehistoric volcanic activity was prevalent, or the tourist attraction Búzios near the Atlantic coast, where the ancient continent Godwana is integrated into the legend.

The tables can be accessed by clicking on the tab of the Homepage „Placas“. Select a map „Selecione um município“ and the corresponding table in various digital formats. If a member of the stone industry were to incorporate their logo in such a map, a simple click could lead visitors to their home page.

It may be assumed that not merely geology fans will be visiting the internet pages of the project. Anybody planning a trip to the region may stumble across the pages and want to have a closer look. This would broaden the spectrum of potential customers considerably. Note, this is not about selling as such – the aim is to promote the product natural stone in consumers conscience and keep it within reach until such time as a building project may bring it to the foreground.

Sponsors should note how the project uses the entire gamut of digital possibilities from photos of places of interest which can be sent as Post Card greetings „Postais“, or games for the youngsters „Jogos“ or an interactive map.

Projeto Caminhos Geológicos (Portuguese)

Serviço Geológico do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Portuguese)