The use of technology is unique to our species but many of our technological innovations would be equally appreciated by other animals. This project imagines a world where some of man‘s technology has been developed for these animals, tending to some of their specific needs. The concepts fit into three categories.
1. Survival
Many of the augmentations that we regard as commonplace find their origins in defence research and development. Technological advancement is at its greatest during wartime. Many animals, in the course of their evolution, have developed ingenious mechanisms of defence against their enemy or predators. Unfortunately evolution moves slowly, and becoming part of the food chain is an ever-present worry. With the help of technology evolutionary shortfalls may be overcome.
2. Traumas of domestication
All species have evolved over millions of years to meet their particular requirements for survival. However when animals are domesticated they enter an uncertain realm between the real and the artificial. Many of the inherited traits, skills and instincts remain intact, yet they must live within human terms and conditions, dislocated from the environment that they originally evolved into. Most domesticated animals must lead a frustrating life.
3. Status enhancement
If an animal species isn't domesticated, eaten, or left to fend for itself without encroaching into our lives, then it probably falls into the category of pest. This is a dangerous realm for animals, as they invariably tend to be hunted, persecuted and poisoned. They must then adopt the role of entertainers, the royal family of modern society and win over the hearts of their enemy.
Phase one of this project (2001) was the small book published as a limited edition of 1000 copies.
In 2007 several of the concepts were build as semi-operational prototypes and exhibited at the 'BÊTES DE STYLE' exhibition, MUDAC, Lausanne, Switzerland.
