CZWG architects have finished their newest unique creation in the form of a Maggie’s cancer caring home in Nottingham. Company partner, Piers Gough whom boasts an impressive resume in the world of architecture devised the exceptional building with support from Nottingham-born designer Paul Smith.
In a meeting of minds, Paul Smith’s neo-traditionalism and love of colours complements the playful and modern style in Piers Gough’s architecture.
Responsible for works such as the captivating eye-shaped café at Brindleyplace in Birmingham, which features fantastic glass and steel structuralism. As well as the Green Bridge at Mile End Park in East London, which joins the two halves of the park together, Piers has won a number of prestigious awards for his works and is widely renowned in the world of architecture.
Moving away from a clinical feel that would usually be expected with buildings like this, Maggie’s caring homes have been built and designed with contemporary architects. This has allowed the homes to be more about the person and not the disease, not only a medical building but also a place to receive advice, feel safe, share hopes and be in a calming environment. Maggie’s Nottingham is no exception to the collection of care homes being both therapeutically compatible and visually beautiful.
Made up of four interlocking ovals, the near symmetrical shape gives a feeling of balance and space. Charles Jencks, who was married to the homes founder Maggie Keswick, describes the centers as; “A non-type…A house which is not a home”, in his book, The Architecture of Hope.
Nobody wears a uniform and there are no specific reception desks, this informal composition allows for a sense of calm and comradery helping to overcome the feeling of isolation most cancer sufferers have. Continuing along this playful and relaxed theme, the beautifully designed interior gives an aesthetically pleasing splash of colour and pattern, which harmonizes with the architecture.
Maggie’s Nottingham is due to open on Wednesday 2nd November 2011.
