indikator is an interactive sonic bench that transforms human touch into sound

the sculptural sound installation by anders hellsten nissen and playtronica's can touch this studio redefines urban furniture.

Sasha Pas edited by christina vergopoulou February 12, 2025 3 min

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Indikator by Anders Hellsten Nissen and Can Touch This Studio

Indikator is a modular, mobile installation designed to convert human touch into sound, enhancing public space interactions. Developed through extensive research and experimentation on interactive sound benches, the project integrates tactile engagement with urban design.

This iteration of Indikator results from a collaboration between Can Touch This Studio and designer Anders Hellsten Nissen, known for his work with Studio Olafur Eliasson. Since 2019, Can Touch This Studio has explored interactive seating, and the Indikator Sonic Bench builds upon these studies. The installation is designed for adaptability, making it suitable for various environments and events. The project is based on Playtronica’s TouchMe device, introduced in 2018, which enables touch-sensitive sound generation.

indikator is an interactive sonic bench that transforms human touch into sound - 1 — all images courtesy of Can Touch This Studio and Anders Hellsten Nissen

Exploring the intersection of sound, space, and technology

The design merges urban aesthetics with interactive functionality. The seating structure references the grid-like geometry of Berlin’s bus stops, while the speaker casing draws inspiration from CERN’s Globe of Science and Innovation in Geneva, reflecting a connection between technology and exploration. Named after a character from the animated sci-fi film ‘The Mystery of the Third Planet,’ Indikator responds to touch by generating dynamic soundscapes, creating an interactive experience that varies with user engagement. Whether in a park, a plaza, or an exhibition space, the Indikator Sonic Bench invites curiosity and participation.

Can Touch This, a studio project of Playtronica collective, explores the intersection of sound, technology, and public space through interactive installations designed to encourage sensory engagement and social interaction. Specializing in interactive and architectural projects, designer Anders Hellsten Nissen’s work focuses on material research and spatial interventions that influence perception and experience.

indikator is an interactive sonic bench that transforms human touch into sound - 2 — Indikator is a modular installation that transforms touch into sound

indikator is an interactive sonic bench that transforms human touch into sound - 3 — the design is inspired by Berlin’s bus stop geometry and CERN’s Globe of Science

indikator-interactive-sonic-bench-human-touch-sound-anders-hellsten-nissen-can-touch-this-studio-designboom-1800-2 — the Indikator Sonic Bench reacts to physical interaction

indikator is an interactive sonic bench that transforms human touch into sound - 4 — Indikator converts human touch into sound through Playtronica’s TouchMe device

indikator is an interactive sonic bench that transforms human touch into sound - 5 — Indikator creates a sensory experience through minimal design

indikator is an interactive sonic bench that transforms human touch into sound - 6 — the modular structure allows easy adaptation to various locations

indikator is an interactive sonic bench that transforms human touch into sound - 7 — interaction with the bench generates unique sonic patterns

indikator-interactive-sonic-bench-human-touch-sound-anders-hellsten-nissen-can-touch-this-studio-designboom-1800-3 — soundscapes shift based on how users engage with the bench

indikator is an interactive sonic bench that transforms human touch into sound - 8 — designers Anders and Sasha on the Indikator Sonic Bench

project info:

name: Indikator
designer: Anders Hellsten Nissen – MONKEY SEE DONKEY DO | @donkeyseemonkeydo

producer: Can Touch This Studio | @cantouchthis.studio

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