News Tesco Bromley Time-Lapse

In April 2010, we installed one of our bespoke in-house developed time-lapse camera systems to document the construction of a modular car parking system. The project was carried out by Condek for Tesco, and the decision to capture the process was made to ensure a comprehensive visual record of the build. The camera setup played a crucial role in monitoring and documenting the progress of this large-scale construction project.

The camera was mounted on a wall of an adjacent building to provide an unobstructed view across the length of the construction site. This position was carefully selected to ensure the entire site could be observed from a single vantage point. The wall offered a stable and secure platform, minimising vibrations or shifts in alignment that might disrupt the footage. This stability was essential for maintaining the continuity and quality of the time-lapse sequence over the duration of the build.

The installation of the camera involved careful planning. Factors such as height, angle, and exposure to the elements were considered to optimise its performance. The system was installed at a height that allowed a clear view of the site while avoiding potential obstructions such as equipment or temporary structures. The angle was adjusted to ensure full coverage of the build area, capturing the foundation work, the modular assembly, and the final stages of the project.

The time-lapse camera system was programmed to take photographs at regular intervals. This approach ensured consistent documentation of the progress and allowed for a detailed visual analysis of each stage of construction. The intervals were chosen to balance the need for comprehensive coverage with the storage and processing capacity of the system. The resulting footage provided a condensed view of the construction process, highlighting key milestones and the transformation of the site over time.

The modular car parking system itself was a significant undertaking. Condek’s use of modular construction methods allowed for efficient assembly and reduced the overall time required to complete the project. The time-lapse footage captured the sequential placement of pre-fabricated components, the work of construction teams, and the operation of machinery. These visual records provided valuable insights into the efficiency of the modular construction process and its implementation on this site.

The time-lapse footage served multiple purposes. It was a tool for monitoring progress and ensuring the project remained on schedule. Additionally, the footage provided a visual narrative of the construction, which could be used for presentations, reports, or promotional materials. For Condek and Tesco, this documentation demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of the modular construction process.

Throughout the project, the time-lapse system operated reliably, capturing thousands of images over the course of several months. Regular maintenance checks ensured the camera remained functional and that its lens remained clean and free from obstructions. The positioning of the camera on an adjacent building also protected it from potential hazards within the construction site itself.

The resulting footage not only documented the project but also highlighted the advantages of modular construction methods in large-scale developments.