In an Australian first, renowned Dutch artist Theo Jansen will deliver one of his crazy kinetic sculptures, otherwise known as Strandbeests, to Melbourne’s popular meeting place.

Crafted from recycled plastic tubing and sheeting, these vibrant creations, resembling unearthed mammoths, are propelled by wind power – with a little help from pressurised air canisters if it isn’t a windy day. Thanks to a ‘‘nervous system’’ of sensors, they can stop of their own accord if they come across a sharp drop or before tumbling catastrophically into the Yarra.

Matt Jones, program manager of Fed Square, says the Strandbeest is equal parts crazy and beautiful. “Theo’s been working them for decades now. He really does perceive them as a form of life which is constantly evolving.”

The Strandbeest that will stalk Fed Square, named Animaris Umeris, looks for all the world like a ghostly dinosaur, moving its plethora of tube-like feet of its own accord. A team of assistants will make sure it plays nice with the bustling crowds.

“To get up close and personal with one of the big ones is an experience,” Jones says. “The skeletal nature of it and the architecture, then seeing it move with hundreds of components, is really quite something.”

Smaller, simpler prototypes, dubbed ‘‘fossils’’, will be on display too, so people can witness first-hand the evolution of the species.

Do they ever get a bit cranky? “There is a video of one last year where one takes a few steps forward then crashes into a heap on the beach,” he laughs. “They can get roughed up a bit. They might have nervous systems but, I don’t know if this is sacrilege to say, they don’t have brains yet. They rely on ours.”

Jones says this kind of participatory experience is exactly the kind of crazy Fed Square is all about.

“We like to use our quirky site in novel ways. There are millions of experiences in Melbourne behind a box office and you have to pay for them. One of the pleasures of programming in a public space like Fed Square is you get to offer that for free.”

His only concern is building the beasts from a flat pack, with the help of Jansen’s technicians.

“They are quite complex creatures. I’m not sure if the public will know if we have a tube or two in the wrong place, but I’m sure Theo will.”