Heatherwick Studio has received planning permission to build a new Maggie's center on the St James' University Hospital grounds in Leeds. Aiming to harness the therapeutic effect of plants for the benefit of the center's cancer patients, the building was designed as a series of stepped "planters" that intertwine to form a unique and restorative layout of inside, outside, private and public space.
"The site is a small patch of green surrounded by the huge volumes of the existing hospital buildings. Instead of taking away the open space we wanted to make a whole building out of a garden," said Thomas Heatherwick in a press release.
The center's surrounding gardens will be designed by landscape designers Balston Agius.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been granted planning permission to bring a Maggie’s Centre to Yorkshire. Creating a calm and uplifting environment to enable us to be able to provide our program of support to people living with cancer is incredibly important and Heatherwick Studio’s wonderful design will allow us to do just that," said Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie’s.
Maggie's Centre Leeds is scheduled to be completed in 2017, when it will join 18 other Maggie's structures across the UK and worldwide.
