ASMR NPC is a site-specific, immersive audio-visual therapy that brings together elements of gaming, simulation, and formal abstraction using the Oculus Rift, binaural audio, and a 30 foot tall bubble. Guests received an 8-minute session that took them out of the bubble into several therapeutic digital environments. Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a psychosomatic experience where certain highly amplified sounds in combination with light trigger tingling sensations, out of body experiences, and phantom limb responses in the body. Known as the “whisper fetish,” ASMR has become an incredibly popular subculture online through YouTube and gaming communities that also integrates elements of avatar role-play, interactive theater, and new age therapy techniques. This project premiered at the 2014 VIA Festival serving over 200 people on-site.
ASMR NPC is intended as a touring project, with unique content generated for each iteration that relates to the physical site in which the structure is placed.
