Milan 2016: in response to the "overwhelming presence of technology" in today's society, Design Academy Eindhoven students have created an exhibition in Milan featuring objects and installations that are all designed to be touched.

The Touch Base exhibition was curated by London designer Ilse Crawford, and is filled with pieces each aiming to reconnect visitors with tactility.

"Behavioural psychologists argue that touch is more than just an optional sensation, it is a basic human need, and perhaps even the essence of life," said Crawford and co-curator Thomas Widdershoven. "Without touch we are left vulnerable ? physically unsure and emotionally insecure."

"Touch Base explores the counter-movement that many of our students are shaping in response to the empowering, but overwhelming presence of technology and digitalism," added Widdershoven, who is also the school's creative director. "It reveals their hunger for a more tactile surrounding in an era where screens, apps, texts, games and email dictate how we live and communicate."
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On arrival at the exhibition, visitors are met with a small petting zoo designed by secon-d and third-year students and tutors.

The petting zoo, which includes cockerels, goats and sheep, aims to investigate the boundary-shifts between nature and technology and the effects of touch on people and animals.

The...