Theo Jansen

Strandbeest in Materia, Sinaloa Science Center Museum

By Sinaloa Science Center

Materia, Sinaloa Science Center Museum

Uminami Strandbeest at the beach, Theo Jansen, 2018-06-14, From the collection of: Sinaloa Science Center
Show lessRead more

Detail of the Animaris Omnia (2020-01-20) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

Strandbeest

In the last decade of the 20th century, Theo Jansen imagined autonomous machines that could protect the beaches of the Netherlands from the impact of global warming.

He watched the sand move with the wind and the dunes it formed. Realized that the dunes were essential to keep the sea at its optimum level. Thus, he proposed the creation of the Strandbeest [beach animals] that could move sand from one side to another, influencing the ecological balance. "These creatures are made of yellow PVC tubes, adhesive tape and ties also get their energy from the wind " -he wrote in the newspaper De Volkskrant in 1990

Theo Jansen (2020-01-30) by MateriaSinaloa Science Center

Detail of the Animaris Omnia (2020-01-20) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

Omnia is an excellent example of the evolution of the Strandbeests. Shows a series of survival mutations that have appeared over time

Detail of the Animaris Adulari (2020-01-20) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

Theo Jansen's work reflects an exploration on the PVC pipe through a series of engineering, programming, and mathematical processes. Every fall, Theo starts designing a new Strandbeest at his workshop. In summer at the beach, He performs tests observing and analyzing. Back at the studio, he explains the flaws and their behavior. Therefore, Theo categorizes Strandbeest class into dominant and fossil

Detail of the Plaudens Vela (2020-01-20) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

The Plaudens Vela can walk in low wind conditions because it has many wings. If the wind blows parallel to the coast, Plaudens Vela can walk for a long time.

Evolution Strandbeest by Theo Jansen (2018-06-18) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

Theo Jansen's Exhibition Infographic, Materia, el Museo del Centro de Ciencias de Sinaloa, 2020-01-25, From the collection of: Sinaloa Science Center
Show lessRead more

Animaris Plaudens Vela (2020-01-20) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

The Plaudens Vela pumps air into the PET bottles that you can see along the upper body. This stored energy use for walking when there is no wind on the beach.

Detail of an Strandbeest (2020-01-20) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

In the last decade of the 20th century, Theo Jansen imagined autonomous machines that could protect the beaches of the Netherlands from the impact of global warming.

He watched the sand move with the wind and the dunes it formed. Realized that the dunes were essential to keep the sea at its optimum level. Thus, he proposed the creation of the Strandbeest [beach animals] that could move sand from one side to another, influencing the ecological balance. "These creatures are made of yellow PVC tubes, adhesive tape and ties also get their energy from the wind " -he wrote in the newspaper De Volkskrant in 1990.

Animaris detail (2020-01-20) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

Take advantage of the wind thanks to its sails and its network of nerves. These systems favor their mobility and survival. Its legs and organs are more sophisticated than previous generations.

Detail of an Animaris Fossil (2020-01-20) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

materiality

The yellow PVC pipe is typically Dutch and uses for electrical wiring since 1947. In Mexico, it is green.

For Theo, in the same way, that proteins constitute the raw material of the skin, eyes, and lungs, so tubes are the prime material for creating the will cheer up. But working with this material involves many restrictions. Still, Theo recognizes that in the process of creation, you are limited, they provoke new ideas and unconventional solutions.

Detail of the Animaris Adulari (2020-01-20) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

Adulari is the first beast to develop sweat glands, which exude water under pressure to remove sand from tender spots.

Omnia Nasal Hammer Perspective (2020-01-20) by Theo JansenSinaloa Science Center

Animaris Omnia

Watch the wings. Now they are folded - like when there are strong winds to reduce the risk of injury. Wings are much smaller than others They will cheer up and open only when the wind is soft and continuous. The movement that is created by the wind affects the crankshaft, which pumps air into the PET bottles throughout body length. This potential energy. -the stored wind- is used by the Animaris Omnia when the current on the beach stops. You can also use this wind to activate the nasal hammer and tail.

anatomy of Strandbeest (2020-01-20) by Materia, Sinaloa Science Center MuseumSinaloa Science Center

View of the Theo Jansen's lab in Materia (2020-01-20) by Materia, el Museo del Centro de Ciencias de SinaloaSinaloa Science Center

Walking on Theo Jansen exhibition in Materia (2020-01-20) by Materia, the Museum of Sinaloa Science CenterSinaloa Science Center

Theo Jansen Exhibition Poster (2020-01-20) by Materia, Sinaloa Science Center MuseumSinaloa Science Center

Materia Logo (2020-01-20) by Materia, Sinaloa Science Center MuseumSinaloa Science Center

Credits: Story

The Strandbeest exhibition by Theo Jansen, is part of the inaugural cycle of Materia, the Museum of the Sinaloa Science Center.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
International Museum Day 2020
From iconic art to cutting-edge fashion, get a better appreciation and understanding of culture from around the world
View theme
Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites