The smart kites are connected with a cable to a ground station, which allows them to move around in the wind. This push and pull of the cable transforms movement into electricity, like the dynamo of a bicycle, and can supply energy for up to 200 households. The project is a tribute to the Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels († 2014). Roosegaarde brings his dream to life, together with the spin-off of the TU Delft, and complements WINDVOGEL with a special designed fiber line crafted exclusively for WINDVOGEL. Whilst flying, WINDVOGEL creates a visual symphony of dancing lines to celebrate the beauty and poetry of green energy. The successful grand opening was in the Netherlands as part of the ICOON AFSLUITDIJK and is currently on tour around the world.
WINDVOGEL was launched as part of ICOON AFSLUITDIJK, the design innovation programme commissioned by the Dutch Government to enhance the innovative character of the legendary 32 kilometer Dutch dike whilst highlighting its key functions: water protection, heritage, energy and mobility as an exemplary model of a smart landscape for today and tomorrow.
The Afsluitdijk is the 32 kilometer long dike which protects the Netherlands against water and flooding. Built mostly by hand and realised in 1932 it is an engineering highlight of the Netherlands and a unique place in the world. After 85 years, the Afsluitdijk is now in need of a thorough renovation. The Dutch state with the surrounding municipalities and provinces have joined forces to lead an ambitious programme to protect the future of the dike. As part of the programme, Roosegaarde's ICOON AFSLUITDIJK enhances the iconic status of the Afsluitdijk with a layer of light and interaction. The three designs developed by Daan Roosegaarde and his team of designers and engineers GATES OF LIGHT, WINDVOGEL and GLOWING NATURE form a model of a green landscape.