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Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres in Glasgow, Scotland by OMA November 8th, 2011 by Sumit Singhal 

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 Article source: OMA 

The aim of a Maggie’s is to provide an environment of practical and emotional support for peoplewith cancer, their families and friends. Since the opening of the first Maggie’s in Edinburgh in1996, the Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres foundation has grown substantially, commissioning anddeveloping a series of innovative buildings designed by world class architects. While contemporaryarchitecture has a reputation, deservedly or not, for being at times cold or alienating, the goal ofeach Maggie’s – whether in Glasgow, London, or Hong Kong – is to provide a space where peoplefeel at home and cared for, a space that is warm, receptive, and welcoming.

Image Courtesy Philippe Ruault

  Architects: OMA 

  Project: Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres 

  Location:Glasgow, Scotland

  Client: Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust

  Status: Completed September 2011

  Site: A green knoll on the grounds of Gartnavel Hospital.

  Program: 534 m2 comprising counseling rooms, sitting rooms, offices and a large multi-purpose space.

  Partners in charge: Rem Koolhaas, Ellen van Loon

  Associate in charge: Richard Hollington III

  Photography: Philippe Ruault

  Team: Atsuo Arii, Josh Beck, Alexander Giarlis, Stephen Hodgson, Takuya Hosokai, Maria-Chiara Piccinelli, Koen Stockbroekx

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 Image Courtesy Philippe Ruault

Maggie’s rely on the fundamental precept, often overlooked, that exceptional architecture andinnovative spaces can make people feel better –  thereby kindling the curiosity and imaginationfundamental to feeling alive. Grand in their ambitions, but designed on a small scale, Maggie’sprovide a welcome respite from typical institutional hospital architecture. Their spaces are more

than merely functional; they serve as a haven for those receiving treatment. In creating a place toconnect and learn from others who are going through similar experiences, Maggie’s help patientsto develop their sense of confidence and resourcefulness.

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 Image Courtesy Philippe Ruault

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In 2007, Maggie’s approached OMA to design a new centre on the grounds of Gartnavel hospital inGlasgow, close to the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. OMA designed a single-levelbuilding in the form of a ring of interlocking rooms surrounding an internal landscaped courtyard.Seemingly haphazardly arranged, the building is actually a careful composition of spacesresponding to the needs of a Maggie’s and providing a refuge for those coping with cancer.

Image Courtesy Philippe Ruault

Instead of a series isolated rooms, the building is designed as a sequence of interconnected L-shaped figures in plan that create clearly distinguished areas – an arrangement that minimises the

need for corridors and hallways and allows the rooms to flow. The plan has been organized for thespaces to feel casual, almost carefree, allowing one to feel at ease and at home, part of anempathetic community of people. At the same time the design also provides spaces for morepersonal moments – either in the intimate setting of the counselling rooms, or in smaller nooksand private spaces.

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 East Elevation

Plan

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 Roof Plan

Section