在历史的长河中，对飞行的追求一直是人类的一种幻想。从达芬奇的鸟类飞机草图到1911年第一次双机试飞穿越香港空域，人类经历了无数次不间断的试验、挫折和失败。这件艺术作品的灵感来自于飞行器的机械原理。安装了一对双叠拍打的机翼和自行车的机械系统，鸟类直升机栖息在草坪上，投下闪烁的阴影，创造了一个愉快的阴影公共空间。它与公众互动，让他们体验到在实现梦想的过程中不安分的努力工作。
The pursuit of flight has always been a fantasy of humans over the course of history. From Leonardo da Vinci’s sketch of the ornithopter to the first bi-plane test flight across the Hong Kong airspace in 1911, humankind went through countless unceasing trials, setbacks and failures. This artwork is inspired by the mechanics of the flying machines. Installed with a pair of double-stack flapping wings and bicycles' mechanical system, the Ornithopter perches on the lawn, casting flickering shadows to create an enjoyable shaded public space. It interacts with the public and lets them experience the journey of restless hard work in realising one's dream.
从古老的平面结构中学习，我们采用了三角形的几何形状，既坚固又轻便。所有的钢结构都是用精致的销轴连接的，这使得它很容易被重新安置，并在未来的任何地方重新安装。这些结构漂浮在地面上，被支撑在线性木凳上，让人联想到即将起飞的双翼飞机。
As learnt from the old plane structures, we adopted a triangular geometry which is strong yet light. All steel structures are connected in delicate pin-joints, making it easy to be relocated and reinstalled anywhere in the future. The structures float above ground and are supported off the linear wood bench, reminiscing the bi-plane which is about to take-off.
翅膀从结构上悬垂出来，为下面的平台提供了广泛的阴影，人们聚集在那里骑自行车，在长椅上休息，躺在地板上，或者只是在周围闲逛，欣赏移动的齿轮。我们在平台周围撒了几层鹅卵石，表示草坪中的一个舞台，并标出一条通道，让人们以最佳视角接近艺术品。
Wings cantilever out from the structure, offering extensive shades to the platform below, where people gather to ride the bikes, rest on the bench, lie on the floor, or simply hang around to appreciate the moving gears. We scattered layers of pebbles around the platform, denoting a stage amid the lawn , and marked an access path for people to approach the artwork with the best view.
一旦游客踩上自行车轮，这对双层的翅膀就会慢慢地上下翻动。翅膀上交织的翅片定期收敛和分散，鼓励游客咬紧牙关，继续蹬车。 光、影和节奏都可以由参与者实时发挥。安装了两台自行车机器，其中较快的车轮可以调节拍打翅膀的速度。因此，两个参与者也会好奇地彼此互动。通过与艺术作品的互动，公众可以感受到他们改变周围空间的力量。
Once a visitor pedals on the bicycle wheels, the pair of double-stacked wings slowly flap up and down. The wings’ interweaving fins converge and diverge periodically, encouraging visitors to grit their teeth and keep pedalling on. Light, shadow and rhythm can all be played in real-time by the participants. Two bicycle-machines are installed where the faster wheel regulates the speed of the flapping wings. Therefore the two participants would curiously interact with each other too. Through interacting with the artwork the public can feel their power to transform the space around them.
随着轮子的旋转，系统就会启动。长椅下面的油箱会抽出液体来驱动隐藏在盘旋的白色网中的马达。马达转动轴，驱动翅尖上下移动，以精确的节奏拍打整个翅膀；细致的校准导致了令人着迷的交织图案。如果说拍打的翅膀象征着我们对梦想的追求，那么踩着自行车象征着我们正在采取行动，坚持不懈地实现我们的梦想。折翼机创造了与公众的对话，将用户的影响带入作品中，可以瞬间改变周围的环境。翅膀拍打的节奏与城市的速度相呼应，产生能量以激活公共空间。
As the wheels spin the system activates. Oil tank beneath the bench would pump out liquid to drive the motor concealed in the hovering white mesh. Motor rotates the axis which drives the fins' tips up and down, flapping the whole wings in a precise rhythm; Meticulous calibration results in the mesmerising interwoven patterns. If the flapping wings symbolise our pursuit of dreams, then pedaling the bikes symbolises that we are taking action, and persistently working out our dreams. The Ornithopter creates a dialogue with the public, bringing the users' influence into the work that can instantly transform the surrounding environment. The rhythm of the flapping wings echoes with the speed of the city, generating energy to activate the public space.
Architects: HIR Studio
Area : 43 m²
Year : 2022
Photographs :HDP Photography, Hong Photography Service, Waitography
Overall Direction/Supervision : Irene Cheng
Overall Execution/Coordination : Howard Chung
Drawing/Coordination : Ian Leung
Coordination : Paul Chung
Concept/Drawing : YuYu Ng
Concept/Research : Regina Chen
Manfacturing & Installation : Hattrick Creative Ltd.
City：Hong Kong
Country：China
