Maggie's Oxford Building : Information + Images

Maggies Oxford, Oxford, England 2008- Wilkinson Eyre Planning granted for Wilkinson Eyre's Maggies Centre, Oxford 19 Jun 2009 MAGGIES OXFORD GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT The Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, which will serve the thousands of people affected by cancer across the region, has been granted planning permission. The Centre has been designed by architect Chris Wilkinson of Wilkinson Eyre Architects, bringing a unique and striking new building to the city of Oxford. Liz Minton, Maggie's Oxford Centre Head said: "This is really exciting news. This is a great step forward for Maggie's Oxford and for the thousands of people in the region affected by cancer. The permanent centre will allow us to open our doors to many more people and expand upon the services we offer. The design by Wilkinson Eyre Architects is truly wonderful. It is now a case of continuing with our successful fundraising drive to reach the target of £3million. With such great backing from the local community, we are sure we can reach this target in the future." Maggie's Centres greatly value the power of environment and design to lift the spirits and subsequently their Centres attract the world's leading architects. Architects of Maggie's Centres are asked to produce practical spaces in which people feel safe and welcome but also have their imagination and their curiosity kindled. Chris Wilkinson of Wilkinson Eyre Architects has followed Maggie's brief to develop a stunning and practical design, which Maggie's are very excited to take forward. Chris Wilkinson said: "We are thrilled that the Centre has now received planning permission. Our design encapsulates the philosophy and principles on which the Maggie's Centres are based - the tree house concept maximises the relationship between the internal space and the external landscape offering discreet spaces for relaxation, information and therapy, it will provide a sympathetic and caring retreat, in tune with its surroundings." The project is expected to start on site early next year. Image © Maggie's Centres Maggies Oxford - Building Concept In response to the wooded site on the edge of the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, the design concept is for a "tree house" which nestles in amongst the vegetation supported on timber piloti to minimise disruption to the flora and fauna. Making use of the slope across the site, the single floor of the building floats in amongst the trees and is accessed by bridge from the road behind. The layout is composed of three wings emanating from a central space which is a direct interpretation of the brief allowing separate areas for information, emotional support and relaxation. All are linked to the central welcoming heart space of the building which has a kitchen, dining table and wood burning stove. The rooms open up to views of trees and fields beyond on the south side but are more closed to the north to control views back to the hospital and the nursery. The size and shape of each window and glazed panel has been carefully considered in relation to particular views and another layer of timber trellis overlays some of the panels to provide shade and privacy. Slot openings in the roof will allow shafts of sunlight into the spaces and openings in the floor will provide views through to the fauna below which, together with the external terraces, will help to create a strong relationship between the internal spaces and the natural surroundings. The form of the building is articulated as a series of three-dimensional planar elements which fragment, fold and wrap into one another. The floor and roof planes rotate geometrically on top of one of another so that the folds and wrapping of the roof walls and floor inform the internal planning and vice versa. The surface materials are largely timber and glass which are intended to give a friendly and familiar appearance in contrast to the usual clinical aesthetic of a hospital.