This page documents the process of creating Field Station, from the original concept (a mobile ecological lab towed by bicycle) to the practical details of working through problems in the studio and foraging for materials, to the final result in Mid February 2022 [See workshop details here]. You can see some of the trailer design inspiration here, and details about the e-bike conversion using the Revos Ebike conversion kit here.
Field Station [Commision] 
Field station is designed as a mobile resource used for pop-up interventions and workshops as part of a Climate Change Awareness Project With Manchester Art Gallery. The project aims to raise awareness and enhance perceptions of the unnoticed and sometimes invisible non-human inhabitants of the urban environment. Participants encountering Field Station will be invited to immerse themselves in an exploration surrounding environment and take part in ‘BioBlitz’ style surveys of insect life using the iNaturalist App.
Here are the original concept drawings: The main unit consists of a wooden box on wheels containing the basic equipment for art and ecological exploration (pond dipping, collecting, drawing materials, microscopes, a waterproof shelter and several chairs).
The top unfolds into a tabletop surface that can be used for demonstrations and workshops. A Solar panel provides power for electronics. A removable side panel that doubles up as an A-frame blackboard/sign and when removed reveals various experiments in progress inside. See more about workshops here…
Work in progress…
Taking #magfieldstation back to @artistsrogue via fallowfield loop and highfield park. @Revworks_ebikes #ebike conversion kit doing well even through the mud @SustransNorth #cycling @mcrartgallery pic.twitter.com/VqRHfZsIDr
— Dr. Antony Hall (@TabletopE) April 19, 2022
Enjoyed seeing workshops unfolding @mcrartgallery around field station, but this is only the beginning of its journey! #MAGfieldstation pic.twitter.com/nuNNNtJd6C
— Dr. Antony Hall (@TabletopE) February 25, 2022
First test drive. It survives! #fieldstation2022 pic.twitter.com/6gddOPP1yF
— Antony Hall (@TabletopE) February 2, 2022
Added some colour detail to window frame and wooden slats for main trailer bed. pic.twitter.com/9yRH0dctXI
— Antony Hall (@TabletopE) February 1, 2022
Quite often find exotic Asian rainforest ply sheets thrown out, often used as a disposable material. It not great to work with but Check the grain detail on these pic.twitter.com/5J2txgObCR
— Antony Hall (@TabletopE) January 30, 2022
Sanding and filling pic.twitter.com/Do5jL9nmQT
— Antony Hall (@TabletopE) January 28, 2022
Field station is designed as a mobile resource used for pop-up interventions and workshops as part of a Climate Change Awareness Project With Manchester Art Gallery. You can see some of the design inspiration here, and details about the e-bike conversion using the Revos Ebike conversion kit here.
