DP1 Installation Project
Me wearing the final device in backpack mode :)

DP1 Installation Project

Summary Post

Designed and Built as BacPac

The BacPac Team and our Contacts
Thomas Wynne-Bärwald tom.wynne-barwald.23@ucl.ac.uk my instagram
Jack Liang jack.liang.23@ucl.ac.uk Jack's instagram
Rex Hau rex.hau.23@ucl.ac.uk Rex’s instagram

This installation went live on the 17th December 2024. View the instagram post. All images my own apart from where credited.

Our project is a transportable, spider-like stamping mechanism.

The final structure photographed on site. Image credit: Jack Liang
The final structure photographed on site. Image credit: Jack Liang

Bacteria Stamps

The main idea is to collect data on bacteria from the site, and also incorporate some other information like texture.

This diagram shows our first tests of creating agar-agar based ‘stamps’.

Here is the very first live sample from the site. Very few microorganisms successfully grew on the sample, possibly a result of pouring hot water on the test location :)

First sample collected on site with a plant pot and plumbers putty.
Underside of first sample showing debris stuck.

To try to find a reason for sampling bacteria, I researched a species known for its role in the degradation of concrete. Its presence would indicate the slow reclaiming of the site from mankind by natural organisms. This would give us a narrative to work with.

Key properties of a bacteria key to the microbial degradation of concrete.
Key properties of a bacteria key to the microbial degradation of concrete.

Ultimately, we ran out of time and weren’t able to make the samples bacteria-specific.

Old Idea: Mobile Networks

I wanted to include the first concept we were working on. This involved measuring the strength of received signal from nearby cell masts, to see if we could draw conclusions between terrain or other site features, and cell strength.

In process of collecting data on wifi RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)
Final map of RSSI of decking above a flat, door to flat in bottom right corner. Yellow indicates better signal strength, green indicates worse.
Map made using ArcGIS, showing 4G RSRP across the site. White indicates a better signal.
Initial concept of communicating signal strength by the orderliness of a pattern of LEDs.
Initial concept of communicating signal strength by the orderliness of a pattern of LEDs.

This idea was left behind as we were requested not to use electronics in the final piece. We decided to move towards an unpowered, mechanical project instead.

First Prototype: Children’s Toy

The first prototype was based directly on the mechanism of a self-inking stamp. These operate by rotating the stamp so that, from originally resting against an ink pad, it can be spun to contact the surface when pressed down.

Animation showing the operation of a self inking stamp.
AR Model of the first prototype.

I built a physical model from this concept, and used blue vinyl wrap to give it colour.

Render of a superstructure formed from interconnected units.
First prototype wrapped in dark blue vinyl to match visualisations, giving it colour and character.
First prototype before wrapping.
Animation of the first prototype before wrapping.

The bright colours reminded me of kids toys, so I created a quick graphic offering a sale price :-).

Graphic with render of first prototype and photos of me and Maudie as kids.
Graphic with render of first prototype and photos of me and Maudie as kids.

Second Prototype: Spider-Like Device

The second version was evolved from the first, by Jack, into a device with four legs, mechanically linked to the stamping mechanism.

When the legs are outstretched, the stamp is retracted. But when they are held closer to the body, the device contacts the surface and takes a sample.

Close up of stamp within stamping mechanism. Image credit: Jack Liang
The final structure photographed on site. Image credit: Jack Liang

We also refined the actual ‘stamps’, creating these cuboid modules with clear lids for viewing growth.

Stamps against a black backdrop.
Three stamps with lids.

Transporting the Device: Backpack Mode

Rex and I worked on a way to transform the parts from multiple stamps into a backpack, for storage and transport of the devices.

AR visualisation of backpack mode.
Top view of the backpack mode.
Scale reference: me walking holding the backpack.

First test run to Tesco was a success :-)

Rex visiting shops with the backpack in the first outdoor test.
Member of the public curious about rex and the backpack.

The Crit (final review)

We weren’t able to see the results as we only collected samples 1 day before the crit. But the tutors were positive about the build quality and final design :)

Final crit: L-R: myself, Jack and Rex. Blueprints in background.
Final crit: Rex
Final crit Q and A

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Studio 2.2 Team Photo. Image credit: Fady Abdelaziz
Studio 2.2 Team Photo. Image credit: Fady Abdelaziz