Today I have been out and about in Southwark, on the South bank of the Thames in London. It is the site area determined by my tutors – how wise they are – and I’ve been asked to make an instrument to calibrate various unfixed conditions on site. For example: wind, humidity, pH of soil, ground hardness, contour lines etc.

I have chosen wind and after my simple turbine instruments ruled too simple I have come up with a more abstract one; that of the confetti rocket. Basically, my instrument launches confetti up into the air via a bicycle pump and a pressure chamber, and I then measure the spread and distance the confetti has travelled. From this I can estimate wind density etc.

To be honest, it is quite tedious and embarrassing to have launch lots of pink confetti in the middle of a crowded market, but I have to do it I guess. I may bring you the results in a while , once I’ve processed them.

Photograph taken by me on 2 February 2009. China Town.

Just amazing. That’s all I can sum it up as. What an experience I’ve had this morning – I’ve never seen anything like it!.

I walked straight down the centre of Oxford Street at rush hour. There were no cars about apart from the odd taxi. Then down Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus where there were a few more people milling about. The Victoria Line is the only tube running due to it being the only line to run underground for its entirety.  Then walked down Whitehall, to Horse Guards and St. James Park, followed by Parliament Square and then back up The Mall and Green Park on the way home.

I’ve captured some awesome photos considering the heavy snow that was falling and the temperate:

Heard on the news that there hasn’t been this much snow in the capital for 20 years.

Well I went to bed at 3am thinking the snow would all melt swiftly however I’ve just woken up to see it very thick indeed! From my room it looks to be about 12” deep. I think this is ultra rare in London. Also hearing reports that tubes and buses are suspended so it’s looking really good for missing my tutorial today, besides I will even if it’s on because I am not missing a chance like this to photograph central London covered in the white stuff. I’ll head out shortly with a camera and walk down to Westminster – post later; follow me on Twitter for live updates!

Hey all, a while since I last blogged so apologies for that! I have a valid excuse though in that I’ve been so busy doing uni work. Having said that I have a really important tutorial tomorrow (or this morning actually), but I’m behind and still working on it now (approaching 3 in the morning). I hate it when this happens – I’m exhausted but so much to do!

There’s a flicker of hope and joy though in that it has began to snow outside – quite a rare thing in London I think and it’s settling a bit. Lovely scene outside but I doubt it will affect uni tomorrow. Probably won’t even be there when I wake up! Anyhow I think I’ll have to call it a day soon and just blag it.
Night all! X