Examining the Sustainable Urban Environments
Cultural properties, as they narrate the design, art and architectural mentality of the entire periods that they went through from the date they were built until today, are museum-quality buildings that document the social and cultural status. The “Harran Houses” in the Harran city are among this cultural wealth. The typical conic domed houses date back to 150-200 years from today that are in Harran city which was registered as an archaeological and urban conservation area in 1979 and safeguarded. Within the scope of sustainability of these kinds of settlements to be transferred to the future generations; the importance of achievement of the effective contribution of the ruling authorities, users, local residents and visitors to the recommendations that set forth during the study, importance of development and keeping them alive can be understood. In the study, the touristic purposed usage is recommended for the Harran houses; evaluating the current structural status and environmental requirements of the houses through the data obtained during the “Harran2014” workshop. Evaluation of sustainability of the cultural heritage in architecture from a tourism point of view by discussing sustainability is being transferred together with the distinctive characteristics and the design approaches of the functions.  Keywords: Sustainability, Historical City Centers, Architectural structures
DESIGN IMPLICATIONS IN CREATING A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR HOSPITALITY SMALL BUSINESS
The goal of this paper is to analyze the role of design in creating a new and strong competitive advantage for small businesses. The paper points out the specific features for the hospitality Romanian market and the specific trends in the interior design for this domain of activity. During the last period of time, the growing competition in the hospitality market, determined Romanian small businesses to identify new ways of differentiation in the market. The most dynamic and powerful element is design, unused appropriates until now in Romanian market, which can bring for small business a private identity, increasing comfort and services quality aspects for clients and assurance the efficiency of the production activities. Furthermore the paper presents each steps which should take place in the process of planning and implementation of remodeling the design elements for two hospitality small businesses and the economic and marketing results from these. In conclusion, the design elements and the process of rethinking the role of design in hospitality domain should be consider as keys drivers for development strong and well defined business in a competitive market.
Water Quality Aspects of Irrigation and Drainage: Past History and Future Challenges for Civil Engineers
This paper presents a brief history of irrigation and drainage related to ASCE activities on its Jubilee. This paper discusses legislation and policies that affect irrigation and drainage practices, water quality constituents of increasing concern in irrigation and drainage practices, and presents a prognosis on the future of declining freshwater resources available for irrigated agriculture and growing water quality problems in irrigation and drainage. Civil engineers in ASCE’s Irrigation and Drainage Division have compiled an 80-year history of highly meritorious service and accomplishments. In the next millennium, civil engineers will face a formidable challenge in managing and protecting the precious freshwater resources in the U.S.