Maggie’s Centre London by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners has won the 2009 Stirling Prize. The judges described the London cancer centre as a “timeless work of architecture that not only distils the intentions of this brief but expresses in built form compassion, sensitivity and a deep sense of our common humanity.”
They added: “This quietly confident building is truly, unquestionably a haven for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners’ achievement is in having created a completely informal, home-like sanctuary to help patients learn to live with cancer.” In his short acceptance speech, Richard Rogers described the building as a “wonderful project”.
He paid tribute to Maggie Keswick, the late wife of client Charles Jencks, who’s death of cancer led Jencks to create a series of cancer care centres as a fitting memorial. Rogers said: “The one person missing here is Maggie. She will certainly be the person I’m thinking of.”
RIBA president Ruth Reed said: “The shortlist for this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize was of an exceptionally high standard, and I would like to congratulate each of the shortlisted entries. In the Maggie’s Centre we have a much deserved winner, and I am delighted to award Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners with architecture’s highest accolade.” Juror Benedetta Tagliabue, widow of Enric Miralles, said: “It is a project that takes your heart, and it is useful. We are architects, we have to be useful.”
