taiyi yu’s beach windmill rotates to create imprints in the sand

w.i.p.: windmill in play harnesses the power of the breeze

W.I.P.: Windmill In Play is an interactive installation that breathes new life into the traditional windmill structure to explore how we can reframe our engagement with the natural world. Crafted by designer Taiyi Yu, this deconstructed windmill takes center stage on the beach, engaging in a playful dance with the wind. As it harnesses the power of the breeze to transport sand in a continuous loop from one point to another, it gradually leaves a visual imprint on the ground, temporarily shaping its site. Taiyi created this object in response to the mechanistic worldview of utilizing winds, encouraging a deeper connection with this natural force and the world around us.

all images courtesy of Giulia Menicucci

taiyi yu explores perceptions of wind power and energy

Taiyi Yu’s inspiration for W.I.P. struck him upon arriving in the Netherlands, gathering an appreciation for the country’s robust winds and iconic windmills. ‘How have winds been industrialized?’ the designer questioned. This thought became the foundation of his research in which he explored the historical and contemporary appropriation of winds through the lenses of modernity and coloniality.

The windmill, both a concrete and metaphorical symbol of industrialization, underscores the dichotomy between humans and nature. It embodies a mechanistic worldview that views the natural world as a resource, shaping human-nature relationships, influencing daily life, and promoting resource exploitation through functional objects and infrastructure. Through a playful manipulation of this machine, the installation prompts a reflection on whether we can move away from the objectification of winds to foster a renewed and more harmonious relationship with the natural world.

harnessing the power of the breeze to transport sand in a continuous loop from one point to another