Architects have revealed designs for the latest Maggie’s Cancer Centre after a planning application was submitted for the flagship development in Aberdeen.
The facility, to be built on the Fosterhill site of the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, has been designed by Oslo-based architects, Snohetta.
The charity’s chief executive, Laura Lee, said: “We are so pleased that the application is now under consideration by the council. The design for Maggie's Aberdeen is really striking and encapsulates the Maggie's brief, which is about providing a space that is homely and full of warmth, while sparking curiosity and imagination from its visitors.
“This is a building that will first and foremost provide the ideal environment for people facing cancer in the region to gain support, while also greatly contributing to architecture within the region.”
Charles Jencks, an architectural writer and critic and husband of Maggie’s founder, Maggie Jencks, added: “Snohetta, coming from the Norwegian culture, has great insight into the life and landscape of the Scots – particularly Aberdeen, which is a short hop from Oslo. Their mixture of a warm interior of furnishing embraced by a protective shell strikes just the right balance for Maggie’s.”
The site for the development is on the southern boundary and the building will resemble a pavilion set in parkland. While the exterior will be clad in concrete, the interior will be more angular and made from soft timber. There will also be a smaller mezzanine area for administration and a courtyard garden at the heart of the centre, providing a secluded outdoor space for residents, staff and visitors.
The £3m needed to fund the work is being raised Monty’s Maggie’s Appeal, a joint campaign between Maggie’s Centres and the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation.
Commenting on the impact the building will have for the country’s cancer sufferers, Richard Carey, chief executive of the NHS Grampian health board, told BBH: “The initial design manages to be both stunning and modern while appearing welcoming at the same time. It will certainly be an exciting and most worthwhile building to have on our Foresterhill site and for the people of Grampian. This is a centre that will be greatly utilised by all in the region affected by cancer and it’s great to take a step closer to that reality.”
The local authority is expected to take eight to 12 weeks to consider the planning application.