The motivation is always altruistic and to create a calm space for sufferers and their families. They are meant to be homely, avoiding any hint of a clinic. Heatherwick Studios inspiration was bath-tubs found in his grandmother’s garden which over-flowed with plants. Internally, the warmth of timber reinforces the domestic quality.
Light Bureau’s approach was to emphasise the tranquil atmosphere by placing warm lighting in niches which hold plants, pictures, books and other household things – making them rather than the lighting the priority. Elsewhere, simple uplights illuminate the soffits. Externally, lighting is very much garden-scale and appears unstructured like the planting, but is actually all carefully planned.
Light Bureau is proud to have worked on this centre and we hope that Maggie’s Leeds fulfils its aim of supporting those who need it.
Architects: Heatherwick Studio
Client: Maggie’s
Landscape Architect: Balston Agius
Electrical Engineer: Max Fordham
Photography: Hufton + Crow