The Great Pretender (2007)
By Theo Jansen

Firstly, if you have not seen Theo Jansen’s kinetic sculptures before, check out this video to see one in action as there is nothing I can write that will do them justice!
📽️: https://youtu.be/0Qdr5vZ5btU?si=VM-pqzGI3VwieOej

This book provides an comprehensive overview of how these creatures are created, starting as computer simulations and sketches and then being physically constructed, tested and iterated using yellow plastic tubes, string, zip ties and lots of ingenious engineering!

This is probably one of the most inspiring books I own. To me, Theo is a modern day Da Vinci, and I am endlessly fascinated by his work and his vision of creating dinosaur sized artificial lifeforms that roam beaches in the Netherlands!

📖: https://www.exploratoriumstore.com/products/theo-jansen-the-great-pretender

You can also find more about Theo’s “Strandbeest’s” here:
https://www.strandbeest.com/