Maggie’s is an innovative charity that provides emotional and practical support to anyone with cancer. The programme of help provided from each of its centres works as well as it does because of the stimulating and uplifting environment it takes place in.
WilkinsonEyre was commissioned by Maggie’s to develop a design for its centre in Oxford in early 2006. Inspired by the concept of a tree house, Maggie’s Oxford floats amongst the trees in a small copse on the edge of the hospital grounds. Raised on piloti, it treads lightly on the landscape beneath while the twisting geometry of the architectural form creates internal spaces that are full of gentle movement and light. The design interacts with and embraces nature to provide comfort and reassurance for visitors in their time of need.
The internal plan is composed of three wings emanating from a central space which is a direct interpretation of the Maggie’s brief, allowing separate areas for information, emotional support and relaxation. All are linked to the central welcoming heart of the building which has a kitchen, dining table and stove.
Maggie’s Oxford is the eighteenth Maggie’s Centre to be opened, eighteen years since the first Maggie’s Centre opened in Edinburgh in 1996.
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