Cutis Anserina explores a speculative universe overwhelmed by digital interactions, examining how far humans might go to reengage their instincts and senses. The project invites reflection on the impact of a digitally driven lifestyle on physical well-being, proposing a sensory therapy experience to reconnect with our emotional landscapes. A therapy bed stimulates the mind-body connection, invoking goosebumps through sound, visuals, and space.

Our research focused on whether our digital and physical lives are becoming intertwined or if we are increasingly shifting toward a more digital existence. Through extensive secondary research, our team explored a future where physical sensations and in-person emotions are valued as vital resources, drawing on current trends in mental health and wellness to imagine how these aspects might be harnessed in the years to come.

We envisioned a transitional space designed to help humans reconnect with their instincts and enhance their ability to form deeper connections. Using Cutis Anserina—goosebumps—as an indicator of instinctual reawakening, we explored the aesthetic, experiential, and architectural design of the installation. How might sound, visuals, and touch come together to trigger goosebumps and evoke a sensory response?

After extensive experimentation with different materials, we ultimately chose rattan and Worbla to construct the space. The combination of these materials helped create a natural, organic, and almost womb-like environment that evokes a sense of protection and grounding. This physical space serves as the foundation for the sensory experience, emphasizing the connection between the body and the environment.

To further engage the senses, we explored the integration of sound and vibration throughout the installation. By embedding tactile transducers and strategically placing speakers within the bed, we created a system that resonates with the body and stimulates the ears simultaneously. The vibrations were designed to sync with the audio, creating a multi-sensory experience that enhances the physical and emotional immersion.

The visuals were inspired by the adaptive qualities of octopus and squid skin, known for their ability to rapidly change color and texture. This natural transformation served as a key influence for creating dynamic, evolving visuals that respond to the environment, much like the way these creatures adapt to their surroundings.

To bring this concept to life, we mixed ink, color pigment, and oil to produce fluid, organic patterns that mimic these shifting textures. Through projection mapping, these visuals were cast onto the Worbla, a material we chose for its resemblance to both human and squid skin. This combination, along with sound and vibration, created an immersive, evolving environment that fully engaged participants' senses in a responsive, multi-sensory experience.