Described as a ‘modern, low building that gathers a sequence of domestic-scaled spaces’, Maggie’s new cancer centre in Lanarkshire is the only healthcare facility to make it onto the shortlist for this year’s coveted Riba Stirling Prize.
Designed by Reiach and Hall Architects, the development opened last year on the site of the old Airdrie House Estate, which was enclosed by a belt of lime trees.
The centre joins five other facilities on the shortlist, including a school, residential apartment block, and university scheme.
A spokesman for Reiach and Hall said: “We are absolutely delighted, if a bit shocked, to find ourselves on the shortlist.
“It was not our intention to attract attention. Indeed, from the outset, we have attempted to make a quiet, still place that supported the wonderful work that Maggie’s carries out every day in aiding cancer sufferers and their families.
“Our design approach was simply based on the idea of walled gardens, beautiful hand-made brick walls that screen a low, finely-scaled building and sequence of gardens and courts."
The Riba Stirling Prize is judged against a range of criteria including design vision; innovation and originality; capacity to stimulate, engage and delight occupants and visitors; accessibility and sustainability; how fit the building is for its purpose; and the level of client satisfaction.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on 15 October.
Click here to read the full shortlist.