Flashback in Wymering

 As we embarked on our second visit to Wymering Manor, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air, heightened by the intrigue surrounding the sensory mapping exercises awaiting us. Our initial foray into these activities involved an exploration of our pulses, a seemingly straightforward endeavour that unexpectedly unravelled a tapestry of personal memories. For me, this exercise became an intimate journey back to childhood nights when my mother's lullabies and stories were my bedtime companions. The struggle to synchronize my breathing with hers, a ritual to induce sleep, evoked a wave of emotion, particularly poignant as I hadn't seen my mom in the past nine months. The act of feeling my pulse became a poignant reflection of not just my physiological state but a profound emotional connection to my past.

In this reflective state, I found solace in the company of my classmates, each engaged in their own pulse-inspired recollections. It was during this exercise that Sebastian, shared a touching narrative of recording his mother's pulse during her illness, capturing the fragility of life in those final breaths. This poignant revelation prompted contemplation on the universal yet often unspoken rituals we engage in, weaving the fabric of our lives with threads of connection and care.

The second exercise, involving the creation of rhythms through tapping various objects on walls and floors, injected a delightful and collaborative spirit into our exploration. The rhythmic melodies, performed four times for different groups, not only showcased our collective creativity but also offered a unique lens through which to engage with the architecture of Wymering Manor. The resonance of joy and camaraderie that emanated from this activity added an extra layer of shared experience to our visit.

These exercises served as a testament to the power of unconventional approaches in architectural exploration. Learning to engage with the environment through personal experiences and rhythmic interactions not only deepened our understanding of the manor but also highlighted the intricate connections between our individual narratives and the spaces we inhabit. It was a day of profound introspection, nostalgic reflection, and joyful discovery, weaving the threads of personal stories into the rich tapestry of Wymering Manor's history.