Handcar Regatta

Far above and beyond most any tinkerers on the this mighty globe are the Mentor hackers, François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice, behind the astonishing mechanical works known as Les Machines de l’Ile.

In their own eloquent words:

The Machines de l’Ile is an extraordinary artistic project like you’ve never seen before. …it is a blend of the invented worlds of Jules Verne, the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci, and the industrial history of Nantes, on this exceptional site of the former shipyards.

Not to be missed is this dedicated group’s intention to revive street theater and grandiose spectacle out into the public sphere for people to interact with and enjoy. Furthering this notion of public display is the open nature of their atelier (workshop) and building process. Their gorgeous designs and prototype pieces are available for public viewing and tours within the large former shipyard space where they build.

The fascination of their technical and aesthetic wizardry is revealed by mounting disbelief and awe when viewing each and every photograph that can be found. Each image is more fantastic than the last!

Perhaps the crowning achievement so far is The Great Elephant:

This gigantic animal, 12-metre high by 8-metre wide, lives in the largest warehouse. When the majestic animal goes out for its walk, it is like architecture in motion departing a steel cathedral. The 49 passengers on board embark on an amazing journey on the Ile de Nantes. Each time the pachyderm goes out, it is a unique spectacle for everyone to enjoy.

These outstanding tinkerers are not resting upon their laurels yet! New and amazing projects are constantly in motion.

Examples are The Future Machines including:

• The Marine Worlds Carrousel
  Rising nearly 25 m high and measures 20 m in diameter. It features 27 moving underwater creatures on three levels: the ocean floor, the depths, and sea and boats.
• The Heron Tree
  This steel tree 45 m in diameter and 28 m high will be topped by two herons. Visitors will be able to take a circular flight on the bird’s wings and walk from branch to branch in the amazing hanging gardens.

Indeed, the world is a better place for the genius and beauty of Les Machines de l’Ile.

Analogous reports:

1. Kindred Hackers Part 8: Rebecca Nase
2. Kindred Hackers Part 9: Team Sand Reckoner