Soft Talk
2021
Do microchips whisper about electric trees?
A research project exploring socially distanced communication and ASMR in the public space of RAUM in Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht.
A lack of touch can increase the feeling of loneliness.
Our brains produce less Oxytocin,
colloquially called the 'cuddle hormone'. Oxytocin increases empathy and is also released through the phenomenon of ASMR.
The project 'Soft Talk' or 'Do microchips whisper about electric trees?' investigates if ASMR can occur collectively in public space.
The utilised material of copper has antibacterial properties and offers a lower survival rate of COVID-19 compared to other materials. It is also commonly used in audio and information technology.


The user can [ 1 ] listen and become aware of the environment, [ 2 ] whisper on a distance with other visitors and [ 3 ] leave a message for the people in the neighbourhood and the online community using speech-to-text, which is projected on the floor and streamed to the RAUM website using CCTV.


Soft Talks:
In two discussion sessions with scientists, artists and curators, among others, we explored what ASMR has to offer public space from different angles. Watch the videos to hear all about the experiment and the experts' reflection on the research.
By: Jasper Zehetgruber and Marvin Unger
Photo Credit, Drone Shot: Igor Roelofsen
Prod. Copper Cones: Drückerei Hommel
RAUM Utrecht
Projectleader: Larissa Koers
Curator: Rinke Vreeke
Marketing, Communication: Iris Loos
Website: Leonie Dijkstra
Production Programming: Joost Ruijter
Soft Talks Moderator: Tiiu Meiner
Panelists: Julie Rose Bower, Marijn Bril, Sigrid Merx, Dr. Giulia Poerio, James Taylor-Foster
Facilities Management: Quentin Davelaar
Preconception: Jacob Herrie
Director: Donica Buisman
Direction: Jop Japenga, Olga van Lingen, Marije Hobo, Anouk Diemel, Dennis Vlietinck
Production: Dennis Mulder, Jesper Groen