Toucher’s Manual

Where to find physical closeness in a busy city - touching each other more, while keeping it safe and consensual.

Have you ever felt lonely and deeply yearned for the touch of another human? 

Usually, you just try hugging yourself or stroking your back but this time it’s not quite hitting the spot. Looking around, you wish to at least get some cuddles from a beloved pet, but you realise you don’t have one. The hot water bottle you’re holding on your lap is slowly getting cold and even scrolling hinge isn’t giving you the serotonin it used to. Reaching for your beloved stuffed toy, you regretfully remember packing them all away in your mother’s basement some months ago. This is a new low for you. But suddenly, the clouds shift away, and with the hot sunrays of hope you pull out this Toucher’s Manual filled to the brim with accessible examples on how to easily get some physical touch in the bustling city streets. You wipe away the tears, put it in your back pocket, and excitedly run out the front door. 

(The Toucher’s Manual is a satirical and speculative “manual” reflecting on the themes of loneliness and non-romantic physical touch in the public space. The illustrated scenarios are based on the author's observations of everyday interactions in Köln during the winter of 2025/26. The featured short stories reflect her lived experience, but their retelling is subjective and heavily embellished. Some of the content is inspired by a self-conducted online survey of 25 respondents.) 

Pavla Geschwandtner is a Cologne based designer, born in Bratislava - currently a master's student in Integrated Design Research at the Köln International School of Design. She uses her work in graphic and textile design to playfully invite dialogue on the topics of gender, sexuality, and identity. Her current practice centers on small print publications that combine original illustration with analogue printing and bookbinding techniques.