This was one of the most inspiring places I've ever visited!
Maggie's London is a cancer support centre; there is a network of them around the UK. Each emphasizes the importance of design and environment in recovery and as inspiration—as per the wishes of Maggie Jencks, who started the centres. This one is designed by Richard Rogers firm, and is an amazingly beautiful, humble building. It won the Stirling Prize this year, and its hardly a surprise. It is a relatively simple, small building, but the spaces are a graceful mixture of public and communal, private retreats, tranquil and bright outdoor gardens, and cozy nooks. The large design moves—from the bright orange color of the walls and building (which to my mind takes its starting point from the brickwork in the surrounding neighborhood) to the geometric roof—as well as the details (floating 'bridges', plywood casework, and the way the roof floats on a glass perimeter) are lovely. The interior is centered (as apparently all Maggie's Centres are) around a large kitchen table where everyone is welcomed with tea and biscuits. It feels very much like a warm, healing space—and also remindes me of many of the Camphill spaces in Ireland.
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