MAGGIE’S CENTRE, ROYAL MARSDEN HOSPTIAL

Ab Rogers Design were commissioned to design a new centre for Maggies, the charity that provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends.

The design was conceived to complement the excellent services of the hospital, providing a calm oasis set in a peaceful garden – somewhere to escape to and take strength from.

It has been designed from the inside out, its shell dictated by the functions and activities contained within. Its mission is to offer a place of respite for those in need, a range of comfortable, private spaces for quiet reflection nestled alongside welcoming communal areas that help visitors seeking connection and support.

The building is formed of five escalating volumes – clad in terracotta and glazed in graduating shades of red from deep carmine to translucent coral – that wrap around a central courtyard. ARD asked studio ZNA to collaborate on the lighting design to create simple light filled spaces to compliment the daylight design with an elegant and subtle lighting scheme. The main source of light is indirect from simple architectural wall lights which allows the light to play off the materials and colours. Suspended lights are used to create informal, more domestic zones to help support the safe and friendly atmosphere. Practical lamps were specified to allow for local user control. It is a space for and defined by its occupants needs. In the exterior low glare, low light pollution post lights guide the visitor pathway for excellent accessibility.

Architecture and Interior Design: Ab Rogers Design