A: Is for the taking recycling to new levels

There are some of us who dream of recycling and others of us who put it into motion. Dutch physicist/painter Theo Jansen started to create genetic algorithms on his computer. What ensued was a mechanical creature, part science fiction, part nightmare. Plastic conduits mesh with several linkage systems which rotate into motion. These giant mythological beasts roam the beaches of Holland on their many legs when there is enough wind to power them. The theory of evolution transcends the most efficient parts of the system to carry through to the next manifestation of multi-legged animals have started to have nervous systems, "stomachs" to digest their own fuel, and some the capacity to evolve genetically. This is an industrial ecology demonstrating within the confines of material both raw and natural. Theo Jansen calls these kinetic sculptures “Strandbeest”. Janson is dedicated to creating artificial life through the use of genetic algorithms simulating evolution inside their code. Each can be modified to solve a variety of problems including design. The goal is to survive on the beach while moving around within two enclosing lines on the wet sand near the ocean, and the dry sand at the edge of the beach. Over time complex designs emerged which sprout wings and flap in the breeze pressurizing what look like plastic 2 liter soda bottles. Articulated legs sprout and scuttle across the sand like those of a crab. Theo uses plastic electrical conduit to make some of the computer's most promising designs. He then lets them roam free on the beach, measures their success, and updates his model. The walls between art and engineering exist only in our minds. Theo Janson through imagination and creativity shows the world recycling can not only be educational it can un-limitless and that is a F.A.C.T.

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