Digital Spaces & Signal Topgraphies
At Collegium Helveticum, Andres directed an R&D team developing a system to monitor WiFi-related EMR for UZH's Aging group. A follow-on project, Signal Polarities, expanded capabilities across global locations with a data visualization interface.
During his tenure as a Research Associate at Collegium Helveticum, Andres led the R&D Team in the development of a Prototype System dedicated to monitoring Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) related to WiFi and Digital Information Traffic. Recognizing the intricate nature and variety of Information Traffic in daily life, the team collaborated with the UZH Dynamics of Healthy Aging group. They furnished them with a Portable Wireless Device (10 devices in total) and an Interactive Big Data Storage and Management System. This initiative was especially tailored for a pilot study aiming to establish a proof of concept concerning the impact of EMR on Human Cognitive Aging.
The project was a collaborative effort, involving esteemed contributors such as Prof. Hannes Rickli, Andres Villa Torres, Dr. Christina Röcke, Prof.Dr. Mike Martin, and Lukas Stäussi. Technologies employed in the development phase included Linux, C#, Python, Java, node.js, Raspberry Pi, Air Spy, and Digital Fabrication. Partner institutions supporting this endeavor included Collegium Helveticum ETH UZH ZHdK, UZH Dynamics of Healthy Aging, and Smartronic GmbH.
Building on the foundation of the initial project, a follow-up named 'Signal Polarities' was conceptualized. This project aimed to enhance the electronic device, which could collect WiFi radiation, and other radiation in the Telecommunications spectrum, as well as capture photographs and audio snippets of the surroundings. The advanced device was used to gather data across diverse urban and rural landscapes, including CDMX, Xilitla, Berlin, Milan, and Zurich. A highlight of Signal Polarities was the development of an interactive data visualization interface, making the amassed data more comprehensible and engaging for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
early prototype video data from CDMX
early prototype video data from Zurich
Venue: Collegium Helveticum, Zürich, 2018-2020. Exhibited at xCoAx with support from ProHelvetia, Fabbrica del Vapore Milano 2019. Further research during ABA Residency with support from ProHelvetia, Berlin, 2020
Credits:
Concept, Design, Software, Interaction, Digital Fabrication: Andres Villa Torres
Advisors: Hannes Rickli, Mike Martin, Christina Röcke
Electronics: Lukas Stäussi Smartec GmbH