Description
The Kinetic Whale explores whether the beauty of natural movement can be recreated through mechanics. Inspired by the way a whale bends its body to create a wave of motion towards the tail, the design uses a pantograph supported by gears, linkages, joints and connecting rods. A simple crank sets the entire structure into a coordinated swimming motion. Achieving this smooth movement required repeated prototyping, precise fabrication, custom jigs, careful alignment and calibration. Visitors first experience the wonder of a whale appearing to swim through space, then discover the simple mechanisms that make the motion possible. Its slow, fluid movement encourages observation and helps visitors understand how multiple mechanical parts work together. By combining biomimicry, engineering and play, the Kinetic Whale turns a natural movement into an accessible learning experience that visitors can see, operate and remember.
