Space to Think

Space to Think was an installation exploring the demands of modern life, the spaces we inhabit, and the nature of our internal dialogue. Interested in the idea that spaces can hold the memories of those who have passed through them, Manning created a quiet, minimal environment and invited participants to pause—to step out of their day and reflect.

What might happen if someone unexpectedly took a moment to sit and simply listen to their thoughts? And how might the hidden histories of a space shape that experience?

Participants were offered paper and pens and encouraged to write freely in a stream-of-consciousness style. The surrounding walls—lined with plain wallpaper, like a blank canvas—gradually absorbed their impressions. Gently layered with handwritten thoughts, the installation became a kind of living palimpsest, quietly recording and holding the presence of those who had been there before.