The John Morden Centre in London by UK studio Mae Architects has been named the winner of this yr’s RIBA Stirling Prize.
Described as “a spot of pleasure and inspiration” by the Stirling Prize jury, the constructing is a daycare centre for the residents of the Morden Faculty retirement neighborhood.
It’s the first time that Mae Architects, which was additionally shortlisted for final yr’s prize, has gained the UK’s high honour.
“The John Morden Centre is a spot of pleasure and inspiration, mentioned RIBA Stirling Prize jury chair Ellen van Loon. “It sensitively and seamlessly integrates medical services and social areas, delivering a daring and hopeful mannequin for the design of well being and care centres for the aged.”
“Creating an setting that lifts the spirits and fosters neighborhood is clear at each flip and in each element,” she continued.
“This constructing supplies consolation and heat, with considerate options designed to stop isolation. It illustrates how buildings can themselves be therapeutic – supporting care and instilling a way of belonging. Nice structure orients folks to allow them to thrive, and this constructing is exemplary at reaching precisely that.”
Constructed from a cross-laminated body, the constructing is an addition to a retirement neighborhood with 300 residents in Blackheath, southeast London.
It comprises medical services, together with physician and physiotherapy session rooms, in addition to a restaurant, artwork studios and a 100-seat occasions house.
One of many key goals of the constructing was to create areas that assist foster a neighborhood environment that will assist fight loneliness.
“Loneliness and isolation are vital points, significantly for older folks,” mentioned RIBA president Muyiwa Oki.
“The John Morden Centre’s magnificence and efficacy set a excessive normal for areas that assist more healthy, happier and extra unbiased lives. It illustrates the constructive potential of structure to strengthen vibrant and lively communities,” he continued.
“It is a skilfully designed package deal that minimises the constructing’s affect on our planet’s delicate ecology, whereas additionally harnessing the therapeutic worth of the encircling nature. It stands as a testomony to the imaginative and prescient and ambition of Morden Faculty, Mæ’s creativity – and the exemplary collaboration between them.”
This yr’s Stirling Prize was chosen by a jury that included OMA accomplice Van Loon together with Foster + Companions senior accomplice Armstrong Yakubu, journalist Mona Chalabi, Buckley Grey Yeoman head of sustainability Rachael Owens, Autodesk head of trade associations technique Marek Suchocki and Niall McLaughlin Architects founder Niall McLaughlin.
Final yr’s prize was gained by a brick and timber library on the College of Cambridge by Niall McLaughlin Architects. In 2021, the prize was awarded to Kingston College London – City Home by Grafton Architects.
The pictures is by Jim Stephenson.
