s/mallTALK was a highly participatory project, which invited the public to share their reflections, dreams, and ideas in an open forum. Four themes emerged from over 40 participants who shared their memories, stories, and thoughts and reflections of their experiences with the mall.

The four themes of Milestones, Play, Community and Sustainability were shared with the public during the s/mallTALK exhibition.

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Milestones: The mall is more than a place to buy things; it’s the location for the experiences that help shape us as we grow up.

Play: the mall is a place for curiosity, fun, exploration and adventure.

Community: the mall brings people and communities together.

Sustainability: the mall could be a model for sustainability, waste reduction, green energy and innovation.

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All of these themes helped paint a picture of the significance that the mall can play in a person's life and the role it plays in a community. The project was particularly relevant in the context of the pandemic, where people were craving connection and social spaces. Malls, traditionally a third space, have taken on a new significance in people's lives.

Exhibition attendees were invited to reflect and generate ideas for the mall's future, centered around four key themes. These ideas were collected on cards, which could be stacked to create a model of a mall. Through this process, the Made Manifest and DESIGNwith teams created a space for people to come together, sharing stories that bridged generations and cultures through the common experience of the mall.