Walk Across Fratton: Exploring the Local Area

This semester starts off strong from week 1 with our Thinking into Making module in pursue of my MA Architecture Spatial Design Practises. The task was simple; go explore Fratton which is what I will discuss in this short blog.

St Mary's Church

Last Monday, September 30th, we took a walk exploring Fratton; residential buildings and their doors, squirrels, and of course the Parish Church of St Mary's.

Walking there gave us a weird unwelcoming sensation. as if we've left Portsmouth pedestrian-friendly city and walked into unknown uncharted territory. We found ourselves wandering around the courtyard and the tiny creatures living there.

They seemed used to our clumsy human presence yet unbothered. Maybe they were more focused on preparing for winter.

As tiny as she was - the squirrel-, she climbed the mighty tree while we trailed our eyes following her every step. They responded well to my calls which felt more welcoming than the car-filled streets.

You can barely see her in the corner of the picture but I believe it captures the moment or how I felt then. Completely emerged and lost in the moment.

St. Mary’s Church is a striking landmark with deep historical roots. Originally founded in the 12th century, it has undergone many transformations over the centuries, including a major rebuild in the late 19th century. (Portsea Parish , 2023)

The church, mighty as it is, seemed run down. Grassy roof, rusted window, water damage, etc. but it lived.

There is no denying it. It's a survivor as many others before it and after. It's a monument of just being, just existing. Chipped stone pieces, exposed nails and added fixtures, and water damage. my only theory of it thus far is; the rainwater coming from the gargoyle was pushed by the wind in a particularly stormy season which caused this unusual location. However, a friend from the MA Conservation path disapproved my theory and insisted that it must be a fixture added later on to the build and is now rusting and causing this black presence we see in the figures below.

Carnegie Library

Afterwards, we wandered over to Carnegie library, a smaller but cozy space that serves as a hub for learning and connection. We simply chatted with the friendly staff and sat down for a moment.

Carnegie Library, a gem of historical and architectural significance. Built in 1906 with funding from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, this library is one of many "Carnegie Libraries" constructed around the world. The library serves as a community resource, providing not only reading materials but also a quiet space for study and reflection.

The library had beautiful glassworks and victorian finishes to it. The floorboards were squeeky by the entrance but still functional. to me, it was an architectural build with fine details rather than a library.

Interestingly, it wasn't a quiet place but still empty at the time. There were old preserved books but had a collection of newer books mostly romantic novels. The most recent I found while casually browsing was published in 2017.

They also promoted and are hosting a competition for childrens to write a short story which I found adorable. In conclusion, it's a lovely cozy spot that takes you away from the busy streets it's directly falling off of.

Community Centre

From the library, we moved on to the community center, a quiet hub for local activities. There, people of all ages gathered for workshops, social events, and classes, reinforcing the sense of community that defines Fratton. Spaces like these play an essential role in fostering local connections and creating a place for neighbors to engage with one another. It was however relatively empty when we visited. The staff there kindly took us on a tour around the place.

The different materials and shapes by the entrance with the falling leaves edging it was what interested me the most.

Interestingly, the community centre used to be a hospital before. Opened by The Lady Mayoress in 1929. (INPORTSMOUTH, 2024)

The stairs leading upstair were a little bit off standards and not comfortable to walk on.

They lead to a sports court on the 1st floor which are available to book for volleyball, basketball, and other sports. We walked through the bathrooms (separately) to get out the other way and find the entrance to that room. the staff member called it as it is; weird.

The windows were decorated by plants, posters, or dinosaurs and sometimes all three.

Fratton is Portsmouth's and the UK's most densest populated area. Now, we are more familiar with the area and ready for the tasks to come.

REFERENCES

INPORTSMOUTH. (2024). History In Portsmouth. Historyinportsmouth.co.uk. https://historyinportsmouth.co.uk/places/carnegie.htm

Portsea Parish . (2023). A Brief History – Portsea Parish. Portseaparish.co.uk. https://www.portseaparish.co.uk/a-brief-history/