From September to December 2024, a captivating multi-sensory experience awaits visitors at King’s Cross Coal Drops Yard. Here, an interactive mini kiosk will serve as a haven for those grappling with their innermost and darker feelings. This unique installation offers an intimate yet public refuge for emotional exploration, inviting individuals to confront their emotions in a supportive environment.
Commissioned by the London Design Festival, the Juicy Booth is a collaborative creation between K67 Berlin and The Loss Project, marking the final project of London-based artist Annie Frost Nicholson. With a vision to establish a “sanctuary in an ever-complex world,” Nicholson aims to provide a safe space for people to face both individual and collective shame in all its many forms.
The kiosk is a masterful creation that captivates visitors with its vibrant interplay of color, light, and music, inviting them to share their feelings through a retro 80’s keyboard linked to LED monitors. This cutting-edge design is grounded in thorough research on human emotions, enabling the kiosk to discern and react to the emotional states of its users. Taro Gragnato from K67 Berlin explains that the booth meticulously analyzes the text input from participants, allowing the Juicy Booth to craft a tailored multi-sensory experience that harnesses light and sound to either uplift the visitor or offer emotional support, depending on their mood.
Annie Frost Nicholson, formerly known as The Fandangoe Kid, has delved deeply into the intricate complexities of the human experience and societal taboos through her art, which often includes accessible installations like ice cream vans and skips that assist individuals in navigating their complex emotions. Her latest work, the Juicy Booth, continues this vital exploration by concentrating on the frequently overlooked emotion of shame, creating a space for collective reflection on vulnerabilities and encouraging visitors to recognize and process their feelings within a supportive environment. By tackling such a difficult emotion, the Juicy Booth cultivates a sense of community and understanding among its participants.
The repurposed iconic K67 Kiosk beautifully blends aesthetic charm with profound emotional resonance, sparking a wider conversation about the role of architecture and design in fostering spaces that promote healing and contemplation. It highlights the transformative power of design in nurturing emotional growth and resilience. In our hectic and frequently overwhelming lives, the Juicy Booth emerges as a symbol of hope, providing individuals and communities with an opportunity to face their everyday struggles. This innovative installation invites visitors to embark on a journey of self-discovery and emotional exploration, encouraging personal growth and connection.