Frame and Form

Ago 20 years ago Theo Jansen has been devoted in body and soul to create new life forms. Their ‘Strandbeest‘ (Beasts of the Beach) organizational structures that are so remote from the giant insects appear or skeletons of prehistoric animals. Actually, these kinetic structures were designed by computer algorithms and are composed of industrial waste materials.

These ‘creatures’ move without motors, not have advanced sensors and the latest technology to survive in the Netherlands costs, simply, are based on the abundant wind energy from the beaches and in a detailed kinematic study of the structures and evolutionary.

From his laboratory at Ypenburg, Jansen continues to study history of biological evolution to provide its new generation of creatures best survival skills. He dreams of designing a generation able to survive and replicate, evolve without intervention.

All those who first observed the beauty of one of Theo Jansen's creations in motion, understand immediately that this is the work of an engineer, a designer and an artist, exceptional!

Perseverance and motivation is inexhaustible Jansen, each new species has new skills that are tested and improved in a surprising and refreshing rush of creativity.

‘Animaris Percipiere’, clava an appendix in the sand to anchor if it detects that the wind is too strong to remain upright.

Theo Jansen Animaris Percipiere

‘Animaris Rhinozero’, a giant two-ton weight that moves with ease and elegance and is capable of carrying several people inside.

Theo Jansen Animaris Rhino Zero

‘Animaris Ventosa’, is capable of storing wind through a series of pistons driven by sails that air pressure inserted into plastic bottles. This ability allows wind energy have stored in times of need or lack of wind.

Theo Jansen Animaris Ventosa

Theo Jansen Animaris Ventosa

As in the animal world, the salient feature of all these ‘creatures’ is its mobility. Jansen has decided that its natural environment is the beach, and therefore, have to deal between tidal races and dunes. The machines that wish to thrive in this environment must be able to move efficiently, Jansen explains himself as ‘the wheel is not a good solution in the loose sand’.

‘…reused tubes are flexible busbar trunking, but if used sufficiently rigid triangular structures. Pistons can be circulated through pipes or air stored within them. Discover the wide range of uses for the tubes after many pilgrimages to the territory of the impossible. The limitations of the material I was forced to look for loopholes that is not logical or obvious. I continued to opposing strategies that have followed a pure engineer…’

‘…The method of work of engineers is comparable to a highway. Takes you where you want to go quickly and everyone runs in the same direction. In the method of artist management is determined. Park the car on the shoulder and jumping, machete, to clear a path through the brush. You might never reach the destination, in the strict sense of the word, but surely get to places where nobody had ever been.’

The skeletal structure of the ‘Strandbeesten’ is based on an ingenious triangulation spatial reuse of electrical conduits pipes, but are the impressive mobile structures that endow these unique artifacts.'s paws Jansen's creatures are based on studies of robotics that it developed in the 80 using the first PC.

Through the provision of rods in triangular formation, inherently rigid, and a parallelepiped, naturally deformable, are created frames phones that are powered by a kind of mechanical transmission propelled by sail or wind-powered wings. The smooth functioning of these legs to walk depends on the ‘pie’, or bottom of the lattice node mobile, describes a very specific cyclical movement. Jansen has isolated the proportions between the different elements of the lattice so that foot movement is relatively flat when in contact with the ground before rising to give the desired step. Jansen calls these proportions the ‘eleven issues sacred’ one for each of the 10 bars of the lattice and the eleventh for the torque transmission.

Kinetic lattice structure unit

On these lines we see a prototype leg, where the mobile lattice describes a cyclic movement of walking acceptable.

We recommend the following link where you can experiment with the kinetics of the elegant creatures by Theo Jansen:
Robotic Design movement algorithms Jansen for APE (Instructions:press P to enter the power transmission wheel, R to change the direction of motion, and H to isolate a pair of legs the rest of the simulation)

Surprisingly, Jasne work remained in the shade during 10 years and has only recently been discovered internationally. Jansen currently travels the world sharing their work in such prestigious events as the TED conference or Art Futura festival Barcelonés. Some of you remember that Theo Jansen was the protagonist of a popular car ad you can see in the following video:

Is currently shooting a documentary on the work of Theo Jansen, here will advance the trailer ‘Strandbeesten’:

Photo credit: all pictures la han been generously donated by her Web oficial de Theo Jansen