#Blog 2 Visit and Reflect

 #Blog 2 

Visit and Reflect

On October 11, 2024, we visited St. Mary’s Church in Fratton. After sitting down, we were encouraged to observe the church and its architecture. We were then instructed to sketch using our hands while keeping our eyes closed, allowing us to engage with the forms and shapes in a unique way.

We had a activity to do they told us to look at the any view which we liked. And close our eyes, while sketching it seemed little weird. We were aware of the textures, shapes, and sounds around us. 

The sketches produced while our eyes are  unexpected to shapes and forms.

Then we were to collect draw different types of lines and notice details from it. I discovered various objects during the exercise, such as a cross, intricate flooring patterns, a table with beautiful wooden carvings, a Bible stand, and mosaic patterns on the walls. 

There were also many wooden frames that represented different lines. Each element offered unique details that contributed to the overall beauty of the space.

The materials used inside the church played an important role in its ambiance. As i observed the materials were all eco-friendly and sustainable, including elements like wood and glass. 

This choice of materials not only contributed to the aesthetic of the space but also reflected a commitment to environmental responsibility.

I grew up studying in a Christian institution, so my love for the church has always remained strong. Visiting the church is close to my heart, bringing back memories of the values and experiences my school instilled in me.

Things that move

We took a walk, imagining what this place might have been like 100 or even 1,000 years ago. Perhaps it was just a field or open land, but now it stands as a church, which carries great significance. As we reflected, we noticed small details around us—the birds flying from the trees, the leaves gently falling, and the trees swaying in the breeze. These simple moments added to the sense of history and connection to the present.

I also took time to observe the surrounding ecologies—the birds, squirrels, dogs, and pigeons that spent time there. Each brought its own presence to the space, and the sounds they made were distinct. The chirping of birds, the rustling of squirrels, and the occasional barking of dogs added a layer of life and sound to the environment, enriching the overall experience.

After our visit to St. Mary's Church, we had lunch with our fellow classmates and began discussing the experience. Everyone shared thoughts about the pieces of art we had drawn and the fascinating architecture we observed inside the church.

Then, with the same excitement, we walked over to the Fratton Community Centre, continuing our journey of discovery and reflection.

At Fratton Community Centre

In the second part of the day, we visited the community center and gathered some insights into the diverse ways the center is being utilized for various purposes.

A community center brings together people of different ages who are looking for a supportive group. It acts as a place for social, recreational, and cultural activities, helping to build a sense of community and teamwork among local residents.

As an interior designer, I would propose a makeover for this center because it lacks effective spaces for communication. The shed, in particular, needs to be redesigned to better suit its functionality.

This center hosts various cultural activities, such as dance, sports like basketball, badminton, football, karate, and bingo, as well as social clubs for adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues, yoga, and more. However, the space could be utilized more efficiently to accommodate all these activities.

We had a brief discussion about the building's layout, and each of us shared ideas on how the space could be designed.

We took a few pictures of the site.

We will continue to gather and wrap up the information collected at Fratton Community Centre.