SpreadKOM does not need a conventional central unit in order to function, it generates all the useful information by itself. It does not require any inbound sources or other global data providers. Instead, it generates a sustainable and autonomous form of communication comprised of units that can be added individually, having the potential to grow into a more complex and more sophisticated network. To establish communication, these devices use only sound impulses, which they exchange with a microphone and a sound generator tuned to specific frequencies.

The project is built on sound communication without radio waves or any kind of central system of communications such as telephone networks, the internet or GPS. It is conceived as an alternative form for propagating information and linking together people without any additional equipment. The way it is designed makes it possible to adapt it to a variety of environments. It uses different sounds to convey useful information about the environment and the people who inhabit it, revealing the location and the topography of the site as well as the presence of other people there. In the natural environment it helps us find our way and glean useful information such as the proximity of water sources or wind speed, offering an alternative to existing navigation systems.

Similar systems of communication have been around for ages and are still found among some African tribes, which communicate over long distances with sound telegraphy using specially designed drums. This type of communication requires of the user to apply their own senses, which revives forgotten natural capabilities that have an immense potential to form a safer and more stable information system with decentralised communication units.

A site-specific presentation of SpreadKOM tailored to the natural environment there was featured at AND – Abandon Normal Devices in Manchester. The project provided for the visitors of the Grizdale Forest Park an alternative system for wayfinding and the perception of the local topography. The system was self-sufficient, with the sound devices powered by photovoltaic cells and water mills. The interactive setup allowed visitors to establish direct contact with the devices by producing chirp-like whistles.

The essay BridA: Homo Faber Becomes Homo Ludens by Dr. Gerald Geilert will be published in the occasion of the exhibition at Aksioma Project Space.

SpreadKOM is realized in the framework of Masters & Servers, a joint project by Aksioma (SI), Drugo more (HR), AND (UK), Link Art Center (IT) and d-i-n-a / The Influencers (ES).



This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Supported by: Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia and the Municipality of Ljubljana.




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