WINDVOGEL
Energy-generating kites producing green power.
WINDVOGEL are smart kites connected by a cable to a ground station, allowing them to move freely in the wind. The push and pull of the cable transform this movement into electricity, much like a bicycle dynamo, and can supply energy for up to 200 households.
WINDVOGEL is a tribute to the late Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels († 2014). Roosegaarde brings his dream to life, in collaboration with a spin-off from TU Delft, and complements WINDVOGEL with a specially crafted glowing fiber line.
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.
WINDVOGEL is the winner of the Shenzhen Global Design Award, the Dezeen Design Project of the Year, and the Europe 40 Under 40 Award.
2017. Smart kites, 20 to 100 kW ground station and fiber lines.
WINDVOGEL was exhibited on 17th of November 2017 until the 21st of January 2018 near Den Oever on the Afsluitdijk. It is travelling around the world and new designs including permanent versions are being developed. The documentary 32 KM follows Daan Roosegaarde and his team in the making of this project.
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.
Made in collaboration with Daan Roosegaarde and his Studio Roosegaarde, The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Rijkswaterstaat, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, De Nieuwe Afsluitdijk, Province of Friesland, Province of North Holland. Development Partners: Kitepower, Eurocarbon, Versalume.
Press Release
Fact Sheet
Select Exhibitions
WINDVOGEL Afsluitdijk NL
November 17, 2017
Exhibitions
November 12, 2023
Harnessing Wind Power at the Afsluitdijk
Testing WINDVOGEL at the Afsluitdijk, our energy-generating kites soar into the sky, harnessing wind power to create clean energy. This innovative project blends art and sustainability, transforming wind into a powerful source of renewable energy.
Publications
December 19, 2019
Winner Shenzhen Global Design Award
Honored to win the Shenzhen Global Design Award for Sustainable Development, often called the "Oscar" of the design world. 谢谢你.
Exhibitions
September 8, 2019
Widow Joos Ockels Sees Dream Realized
Joos Ockels gazes in awe as her late husband Wubbo Ockels' dream becomes a reality. WINDVOGEL, a tribute to the Dutch astronaut, brings his vision of energy-generating kites to life, a testament to his enduring legacy.