What if waiting became a moment to play, share and meet — physically?
Commissioned by MARTA Artbound
A project together with Wouter Corvers, in collaboration with Flux Projects and Atlanta Design Festival
#intervention #interaction #play #atlanta #publictransport
2019
2022
Railtalk ATL is a research project exploring how public transport waiting areas can become places for spontaneous dialogue and shared experience.
First implemented during the 9-day Atlanta Design Festival in 2019, the project activated two MARTA stations, Midtown and West End both inside and outside the platforms. In 2022, the research expanded to seven additional stations for 6 months, across the MARTA network.
The installation transforms waiting time into a moment of connection. It stimulates interaction, enhances the joy of travel, and offers a platform for literary talent.
Research & Documentation
During the 2019 trial, we observed and documented public interaction with the installation. We conducted interviews and gathered insights on how people responded to the intervention.
The findings are compiled in a limited-edition publication.
If you are interested, please contact us.
Foto door Maaike Poelen
Local Voices
During the 9-day activation, local poets, slam poets and writers contributed “food for thought” for fellow passengers, turning stations into temporary stages for reflection and dialogue.
Watch the film below to get an impression of the project.
Railtalk ATL originated in 2018 in the Netherlands as Stationstaal (a “station language”), developed in collaboration with NS - Dutch Railways.
Foto door Maaike Poelen
