Is the Strandbeest real?

Theodorus Gerardus Jozef “Theo” Jansen (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈteːjoː ˈjɑnsə(n)]; born 14 March 1948) is a Dutch artist. In 1990, he began building large mechanisms out of PVC that are able to move on their own and, collectively, are entitled, Strandbeest. The kinetic sculptures appear to walk.

What is Strandbeest evolution?

Theo Jansen is engaged in creating new forms of life: the so called strandbeests. Skeletons made from yellow plastic tube (Dutch electricity pipe) are able to walk and get their energy from the wind. They have evolved since their inception in 1990 and have been divided into 12 periods of evolution.

What is the purpose of a Strandbeest?

The purpose of strandbeests is to move sand back up onto the nearby dunes to help preserve them from erosion by the rising sea.

How are Strandbeest made?

Constructed from plastic PVC tubing, zip ties, and string, strandbeests are the ultimate in humble down-home DIY. But they come to life with animal grace the second they begin to move: Wings flap. The beach animals’ simple parts belie their complex construction and behaviors.

Who invented Strandbeest?

“I try to make new forms of life,” says Strandbeests creator Theo Jansen | Dezeen.

How old is Theo Jansen?

73 years (March 17, 1948)
Theo Jansen/Age

What is Theo Jansen mechanism?

The Jansen linkage is an eleven-bar mechanism designed by Dutch artist Theo Jansen in his collection “Strandbeest.” The mechanism is crank driven and mimics the motion of a leg. Its scalable design, energy efficiency, and deterministic foot trajectory show promise of applicability in legged robotics.

When did Theo Jansen make Strandbeest?

1990
Physicist-turned-artist Jansen has been creating strandbeests since 1990. Iteratively designed and intricately assembled, Jansen’s self-propelled creatures have evolved over the years, becoming increasingly complex and lifelike, with specialized adaptations to help them survive in their seaside environment.

Is Theo Jansen married?

He and his wife, Deborah Fallows, are the authors of the 2018 book Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey Into the Heart of America, which was a national best seller and is the basis of a forthcoming HBO documentary.

Why did Theo Jansen Strandbeest?

Jansen began building the in 1990. Mindful of rising sea levels and what that might mean for the Low Countries, he imagined a race of wind-powered beach creatures that could bring sand from the water’s edge inland to build a never-ending barrier. With his Sisyphean task of dune creation, the Strandbeest was born.

What are the sizes of Theo Jansen sculpture?

Most Strandbeests measure about 16 feet long, 6.5 feet wide, and 10 feet high and weigh between 77 and 330 pounds.

Why did Theo Jansen make Strandbeest?