The application of the systemic approach in architecture aims to promote an integral, holistic view of the architectural design process. The literature reviewed calls for models with systemic behavior, and for these models to be applied in concrete cases. This paper proposes an original approach, using the foundation matrix and the constructive logic matrix. Both matrices are part of a developing model that is being tested on a case study. The work presented here had two objectives: to check this part of the model and gain more knowledge about the model itself. The selected case study, the 2005 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, is a contemporary ephemeral construction of significant architectural interest. It is a reciprocal frame structure, linked to the construction history. The methodology used was a systemic analysis. In the first phase of the analysis, the reciprocal structures documented historically in the West were reviewed. The other two phases corresponded to the application of the two model matrices. Conceptual diagramming was used in all phases of the process. The results show the importance of the study of historical building solutions. The use of matrices facilitates the identification and understanding of the operations carried out in the design process of the case study. Matrices favor the organization of concepts and relationships from through a systemic approach. Understanding generation operations in an integrated way leads to a type of knowledge (relational knowledge) that allows architecture to be thought about in a holistic way. This makes the systemic view of art and technology as a unit possible, attending to the whole complexity of architectural thinking.

As part of the restoration project of the 13th century Vera Cruz Church (Segovia, Spain), a preliminary study of the stones used in its construction—dolostones of the Montejo de la Vega Fm of Santonian age (Upper Cretaceous)—and the possible location of the quarry of the provenance of these stones was carried out. For this purpose, a comparative analysis was performed between the currently active quarry of La Vera Cruz n° 88 and the historical quarry of Zamarramala. The samples were characterized using a multidisciplinary approach, combining X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarized optical microscopy (POM), and scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis (SEM-EDX). The combined mineralogical, chemical, and textural characterization provided valuable information on historical provenance. The results show a significant correlation between the dolostone samples obtained from the church and both quarries. The integral characterization confirms the suitability of the dolostones identified in the currently active quarry, Vera Cruz n° 88, for the restoration of the Vera Cruz Church, ensuring the use of appropriate materials. This study contributes to the restoration efforts of the Vera Cruz Church by providing a deeper understanding of the historical origins of the building stones.

El Barrio de Bodegas de Baltanás, ubicado en la comarca del Cerrato (Palencia), está declarado Bien de Interés Cultural en la categoría de Conjunto Etnológico. Cuenta con trescientas setenta y cuatro bodegas en cuyo interior es habitual encontrar un lagar con prensa de madera. Con el objetivo de ampliar el conocimiento de cara a la conservación de las bodegas, en este trabajo se analizó la construcción y el funcionamiento de la prensa, y se tomaron muestras para identificar las especies de madera y conocer sus propiedades. Se encontraron especies poco habituales en estructuras como el olmo, el jerbo y el enebro, destacando el jerbo por tener una mayor densidad, rigidez, resistencia a la penetración, dureza superficial y resistencia que el resto. Finalmente, se asignó una clase resistente D30 a la madera de olmo de la viga y se calculó la estructura destacando que los niveles de agotamiento eran adecuados.

The ruins of the Chapel of San Isidoro and San Pelayo were relocated to the Retiro Park from Avila at the end of the 19th century, with the aim of preserving them. Caleña stone is the main construction material. This Stone is characterized by its geological formation process, resulting in three varieties: white, ochre and red. The environmental conditions and the anthropic pressure to which the monument is subjected have accelerated its already advanced decay, causing further alteration of the material. Five samples are characterized using a multidisciplinary approach, combining the techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarized optical microscopy (POM) and scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis (SEM-EDX). Also, physical constants are analysed by determinating their bulk density (𝜌𝑏), absorption coefficient (AC) and open porosity (𝑝𝑜). The data obtained from the characterization allow a greater knowledge of the building material of the Chapel, contributing to the understanding, prevention and conservation of this unique monument, providing a deep knowledge of the stone.