Vexed client Maggie’s – a charity that provides support centres for cancer patients has won the Stirling Prize for its west London centre at Hammersmith Hospital. The centre, which provides a caring drop-in centre for those undergoing treatment was designed by internationally renowned architect, Richard Rogers and his practice, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.

The award, which was announced on October 17th by RIBA praised the building for not looking clinical, saying it “could be a private house in a Finnish forest instead of a health building.”

“The centre’s positive spirit is signalled with a bold roof canopy that hovers high above the walls to sail protectively over a series of intimate internal gardens, courtyards and roof terraces. A deep orange rendered wall puts a protective arm around it, making it a place apart without denying it is a part of the city,”

In addition to the ten centres around the UK, Maggie’s also operate an online centre, to help those that can’t attend the offline drop-in centres. The Maggie’s Community site, created with Maggie’s by Vexed is designed to supplement the work of the now Award winning centres.

Laura Lee, MD of Maggie’s said. “Maggie’s is absolutely thrilled that Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners have won the Stirling Prize for their remarkable design of our London Cancer Caring Centre and would like to say a huge thank you to Richard Rogers for generously gifting the design to support people affected by cancer. The Stirling Prize recognizes buildings that significantly influence the evolution of architecture and Richard Rogers’ design is changing the understanding of how environment impacts on health and well-being.“

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