The imposing mechanical arm and the four nacelles are already clearly visible next to the Nefs des Machines de l'Ile in Nantes.
In a few days from now, they will enter into action guided by the great Heron, who will in turn come out of the workshop of the company La Machine.
Throughout the summer, and in particular during the Nantes Maker Campus (July 2 to 4), this is where the curious will be able to witness the birth of this centerpiece of the great Heron Tree project.
The mechanical bird, 16 meters wide and 18 tonnes, will in fact be subjected to a whole series of tests, essential to start the construction of the rest of the structure.
The public will not be able to board
"The Heron will flap its wings, move its neck, but will fly very gently: it will take more than a minute to make a turn," warns Pierre Orefice, director of the Machines of the island.
The installation will be crammed with sensors to validate all the calculations of the structure of the Tree.
You have to know how it will be influenced by the movement.
This summer, therefore, no question for visitors to climb in the baskets or on the back of the animal, which will be able to carry 18 passengers in the future.
“It won't be a show but an opportunity to see it in motion,” continues Pierre Orefice.
This is a very important step for the project.
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Eventually and as a reminder, the Great Blue Heron will be installed 32 meters high, at the top of the future Tree.
The structure should take place in the heart of the Extraordinary Garden within a few years.
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