The Fire-Breathing Dragon-Horse Sparking Wonder in a City near You | Frédette Lampre | TED

Overview

This episode explores the transformative power of La Machine, a French company that creates massive, animated mechanical creatures to turn cities into immersive theaters. Frédette Lampre shares how these creations spark wonder, foster community, and reimagine urban spaces.

Notable Quotes

- Our machines are poetic figures, and poetry has no business plan. – Frédette Lampre, on the artistic philosophy behind La Machine.

- For people experiencing a giant moving machine in their neighborhood, it can change the way they see their own city. – Frédette Lampre, on the impact of La Machine's work.

- In La Machine, we don't really use artificial intelligence, but we definitely use artistic intelligence to reimagine humanity. – Frédette Lampre, on the deeper purpose of their creations.

🦄 The Magic of Giant Mechanical Creatures

- La Machine creates massive, lifelike machines like the Minotaur, sea dragon, and dragon-horse, which roam city streets, captivating audiences.

- These machines are designed to tell stories, evoke emotions, and transform urban spaces into stages.

- Examples include the fire-breathing sea dragon in Calais and the Minotaur in Toulouse, which connect cities to their myths and histories.

🔧 Crafting the Machines

- The process begins with a drawing, followed by a model, which is scanned to create a digital wireframe.

- Machines are constructed with wooden shells, metal skeletons, and hydraulic systems, taking about two years to complete.

- Operating these creations requires a team of 18, including operators for limbs, special effects, and a director of operations who ensures lifelike movements.

🌍 Transforming Cities and Communities

- La Machine’s performances are free, inclusive, and accessible, drawing massive crowds—700,000 in Ottawa and 1.2 million in Toulouse.

- These events foster civic pride, attract tourism, and generate economic benefits for local businesses.

- Cities like Liverpool, Ottawa, and Nantes have used La Machine to reshape their image and revitalize urban spaces.

🎭 Beyond Performances: Permanent Installations

- In Nantes, La Machine created Les Machines de l’Île, a cultural space featuring the Great Elephant and the Carousel of the Sea World.

- These installations support urban regeneration and celebrate local heritage, such as Jules Verne’s literary legacy.

💡 The Philosophy of Artistic Intelligence

- La Machine prioritizes artistic intelligence over artificial intelligence, focusing on reimagining humanity through movement and emotion.

- Their work blends art, engineering, and storytelling to create shared experiences that transcend traditional boundaries of art and entertainment.