What's a strandbeest? If the skeletons of animals from another dimension were to walk along a beach, they'd probably look pretty similar.
Strandbeests are kinetic sculptures designed by Dutch artist Theo Jansen made from lemonade bottles and plastic tubes that can walk, unassisted, just by catching a bit of wind in raised sails. The strandbeests have rudimentary brains in the form of binary step counters and bottles to catch liquid. In the effect of a storm, the 'beests lower their sails and drive pins into the ground so they don't blow away. Jansen has likened this method of transportation to the wheel, and, using his new technique, created the 2.8 ton "animaris rhinoceros transport" (the last picture in the gallery below), which could be moved easily by one person simply pushing it.
Jansen hopes to give his strandbeest enough autonomy that they can wander on their own. Click through for a video of the 'beests in action, and check out the gallery for a few different creatures. Loek van der Klis took the pics and video — you can see more of his work here.
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Strandbeest, via Machine Thinking
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By Montag at 11:40 AM ON 12/19/07
This is amazing. Probably the coolest thing I've seen in a while. It's not often that someone strikes such a perfect blend of engineering, art, and even life. They should make toy versions - I'd love to buy and build a model of one of these.
By mattcyborgelt at 2:58 PM ON 12/20/07
reminds me of the sodaconstructor flash "game", never imagined someone bringing it to life.
check it out
http://www.sodaplay.com/creators/soda/items/constructor
By Loek van der Klis at 5:49 PM ON 01/08/08
Hello Kevin Hall,
you did not ask permission and not even put my name/website in the article! We offer you to give a reaktion : sent to you on 01/01/2008
Loek van der Klis dose not permit sites, magazines, newspapers to publish the photos, even with a watermark or tag, without having agreed or to pay a fee. We are continually engaged in negotiations for the global distribution and syndication of its images and by publishing the photos without permission,
We can, however make an arrangement with you to publish van der Klis photos. For further details please contact loekvanderklis@hetnet.nl so that we can discuss the terms with you.
If you elect not to take this option and you publish van der Klis photos without permission we will regrettably have to place the matter in the hands of lawyers who will immediately issue proceedings against you and your company to correct all the copyrights of the photographer!
All Copyrights by Loek van der Klis the photographer