1Entry Pack

This resource pack will help with your submission to the Maggies Centre design competition. What you will find in this pack:

A short introduction to architecture Explanation of architectural terms Maggies Centres case studies Classroom suggestions and starters Submission requirements Maggies architectural brief Who was Maggie?

A Design Competition for a New Maggies Centrean inspiring project for schools

2Scale modelThis is a small version or maquette of your design. Architects make a scale model to explain their design to the client in three dimensions. You can use scale model people to make it easier to understand. A scale model is ideal to photograph from an angle. In the design process, architects use scale models to explore ideas, even at the very early beginning. The model doesnt need to reflect a realistic design, but could explore shapes, spaces, material, openings, dimensions, colour, light, etc. Below are some images for inspiration.

A short introduction to Architecture

As an architect you need imagination and creativity to come up with a design that will remain in good condition for a long period of time, will serve the needs of the people using it and importantly, will be attractive to look at. Here are some elements to help you to design your own Maggies Centre.

ScaleArchitects scale drawings either 2, 5, 10, 20 or 50 times smaller than the real size, or even smaller than that. For your Centre we recommend you work in the scale 1:50. That means one metre will be represented on your drawing by two centimetres.

exploring design through scale models scale model of the Maggies Centre in Dundee

scale 1:100 scale 1:50

Explanation of architectural terms

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bin

gate

gate

STN630.313

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30.29

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section 1m above floor levelbirds eye persepctive plan drawing

side elevationbirds eye persepctive front elevation

Drawings are an important way for an architect to communicate design ideas. A basic set of conventional drawings that are used:

1. The elevation - This is a 2d representation of the vertical surfaces of the building, showing the configuration of doors, windows and material. Depending on the shape of the design and relevance of the drawing, there may be a front and back elevation and two side elevations. With more complicated designs, you may need more elevation drawings to explain your design.

2. A plan drawing - This is a horizontal section, taken approximately a metre above the floor. Depending on the shape and design of the building, there could be several plans for different floors.

This is the floorplan for the Maggies Centre in the Highlands. Notice that the landscape has been drawn as

part of the plan drawing. All the Maggies Centres work to integrate inside and outside space, which can be shown best

in the floorplan drawing.

43. A section drawing - This is a vertical section, taken at a location which can best explain the design, most likely to show the window and door openings. Depending on the shape and design of the building, there could be a series of section drawings to explain your design.

section taken over windowsbirds eye persepctive section drawing

4. A sketch - A sketch could be a scribble reflecting an initial idea. It could be a quick summarising drawing, showing the essence of the design. Sketches can be used in the very beginning of the design process to test and explore ideas. By sketching your ideas on paper, you can test the ideas youve got in your head. Sketches are also ideal to communicate with fellow designers and to show the design essence to your client.

sketches for the Maggies Centre Gatehouse in Glasgow

The whole building feels informal, family like - it somehow brings people together.Bruce Tasker, Centre visitor

5Case Studies

When you start a design, it is helpful to look at inspiring examples of other buildings, shapes, layouts, spaces, details, use of material, etc. Studying these examples will enrich your own design ideas. You can find examples of architecture all around you. Is there an interesting building in your street, or do you have an interesting school building? Have a look on the internet or visit a library. You decide what you think is inspiring to you. Below is a selection of Maggies Centre designs to inspire you.

What the architect says:There is a Yiddish expression, Heymish. It means homelike, comfortable. Thats what we were trying to do there.Frank Gehry, Frank Gehry Partners

Architect: Frank GehryLandscape Architect: Arabella Lennox-Boyd

Maggies Dundee opened in 2003

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7Maggies Highlands opened in 2005

What the landscape architect says:[David Page and I] came to a design that was a bit of a garden and a bit of building. Id been reading about the secret language of cells and suggested we make the building itself a dividing cell, conceived as the inversion of one of the mounds.Charles Jencks

Architect: David PageLandscape Architect: Charles Jencks

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9Maggies Glasgow (Gartnavel) opened in 2011

What the architect says:We accepted the commission with eagerness. The space we have is linked to the existing hospital, but far enough away from it for us to create another world. It has both privacy and a central position; both sheltered and slightly exposed.Rem Koolhaas

Architect: Rem KoolhaasLandscape Architect: Lily Jencks

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*1/2 height wall

Lining / non-structural

Fireplace

Roof

This wall can have embedded post

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Maggies Fife opened in 2006

What the architect says:The building responds to a certain need after visiting the hospital and the process of chemotherapy...it provides a place between all that and going home. Its a kind of buffer in that sense, the idea that you re-enter the world through a small, domestic-scaled environment.Zaha Hadid

Architect: Zaha Hadid

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Maggies Cheltenham opened in 2010

What the architect says:Its not really a building; its a large piece of inhabited furniture with a roof hovering above it. Furniture is more immediate than buildings are: we use it, touch it, engage with it. Through the joinery we convey care, so that when people come in they feel they have come to a place about careSir Richard MacCormac

Architect: Sir Richard MacCormacLandscape Architect: Dr Christine Facer Hoffman

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Suggestions for the classroom to explore architecture and to start the design competition

1. Make a scale floorplan of the classroom.An exercise for smaller groups in class, 4 or 5 pupils per group. Find and study existing floor plans, from a library, the internet or in this entry pack. With a tape measure, the group can make measurements, length, width and height of the classroom, but also position and dimension of windows and doors. The floor plan drawing can be to scale 1:50 or 1:20. Indicate the layout of desks and chairs on your drawing.

2. Make interior sketches of the classroomAn individual exercise. Every pupil picks two or three viewpoints from which to sketch the classroom. It is helpful to include people in the sketches, to add a sense of the human scale in the built environment. Alternatively, each pupil can pick one view, but use different techniques to make a sketch. For example, working with charcoal, paint, pen, pencil or colour. Afterwards the work can be discussed in smaller groups. This is not about assessing the accuracy of the drawing, but respecting each others work and comparing the atmospheres that the finalised sketches convey. Allow only two to five minutes for each sketch. Additional time can be given to work up the artwork, if needed.

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3. Draw a storyboard of your route through the school building An individual exercise. In small groups, the pupils can mark a route through the school, making interior sketches on key points. Ask pupils to imagine themselves as a film director making a film about the school. Which viewpoint would they choose to record to explain the building best? Divide an A4 piece of paper into nine rectangles, each rectangle allocated for a viewpoint. Eventually you will end up with a cartoon or storyboard showing a story from beginning to end. The results can be discussed in the group. Is the story clear for others to read and understand?

4. Go outside and sketch a buildingAn exercise for small groups. Every pupil can pick two or three viewpoints of a building and make a sketch. It is helpful to include people in the sketches to add a sense of the human scale in the built environment. Alternatively each pupil can pick one view, but use different techniques to make a sketch. For example, working with charcoal, paint, pen, pencil or colour. Afterwards the work can be discussed in smaller groups. At the end the smaller groups can present their sketches of a building to the class. This is not about assessing the accuracy of the drawing, but respecting each others work and comparing the atmospheres that the finalised sketches convey. Allow only two to five minutes for each sketch. Additional time can be given to work up the artwork, if needed.

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5. Discuss the architectural briefAn exercise for small groups. Hand out a copy of the architectural brief for the Maggies design competition. Let everybody read the brief and think of at least three questions. These questions can be discussed within the group to reach a full understanding what the brief means. The answers may differ per group. Remember, there is no wrong or right in architecture. Key for the architect is to have an understanding of what the client wants. It may be helpful to make sketches of how you would interpret the brief as a designer.

6. Analyse one of the Maggies Centres from the entry packAn exercise for small groups. Each group can pick one of the Maggies Centres as documented in this entry pack. You can look for more information if you like, in a library or on the internet. Research the design carefully, try to imagine walking through the building. You could draw the floorplan or elevation drawing, trace the photographs, count the windows and doors or make other relevant notes. At the end of the exercise each group can present their research to the class through sketches, drawings and models.

Tip: Remember to enjoy the design process. If youre stuck and are out of ideas, loosen yourself up, share your thoughts with fellow pupils, find inspiration, take a walk, etc. A good design comes from a well inspired mind.

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Helpful information about submission requirements

These are the nine submission requirements as you will have seen in the architectural brief for the Maggies design competition. Have a good look at the them. Do you understand what is being asked for? How much time do you have to develop the design and produce the required drawings, models and photographs? Here are some explanations:

Design StatementA 50 word paragraph, similar to the paragraph in the case studies provided with this entry pack.The statement describes your design intentions, the atmosphere you would like to achieve in your design and your inspiration for the design.

Design developmentThis could be a sketch, a drawing, a scale model, a photograph of a scale model, a table full of materials, testing different shapes, colours, etc. This should give the jury panel insight into the design process you have been through.

Remember that the nine submission elements will need to represent your design without you. So make sure that the elements tell your story in a clear and engaging manner.If you have any questions, contact kathryn.lamont@maggiescentres.org

A design statement (max 50 words) A plan drawing 1:50 Three images of a model scale 1:50 Two sketches or images of the design development Two interior images showing the intended atmosphere of your design

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THE ARCHITECTURAL BRIEF

PURPOSE OF MAGGIES CENTRES To provide non-residential support and information facilities for people with cancer, and for their

families and friends. The building will offer its users a calm friendly space where each individual can decide what strategy

they want to adopt to support their medical treatment and their overall welfare. They will be able, if they so wish, to have a private conversation with the programme director or the

clinical psychologist about their situation and needs. On offer within the building will be a free programme, which will include group support, family and

friends support, relaxation sessions, information access and benefits advice. (See Maggies Centre booklets and website for programme and timetables.)

People may choose to do any of this programme or none of it. Some will want to use the Centre to have a cup of tea and a quiet pause. Others will be helped by offering volunteer services themselves, such as gardening. And others, again, will want to join support groups and actively participate.

We do not want to suggest there are better or worse ways of dealing with cancer. Any way that helps anybody going through cancer to feel better is fine, with the important proviso that any service offered in the building will be approved by the Professional Advisory Board and will be complementary and not alternative to orthodox medical treatment.

Approximate size of a Maggies Centre is 280m2.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MAGGIES Entrance: obvious, welcoming, not intimidating. Small coat-hanging/brolly space. A welcome/sitting/information/library area, from which the layout of the rest of the building should

be clear. There should be as much light as possible. There should be views out to grass/trees/sky. You should be able to see where the kitchen area is, equally the sitting room and fireplace-area (hearth & home). Maggie suggested a fish tank.

Office space for a) Centre Head and b) fundraiser/deputy. This should be easily accessible from the welcome area so that either person working at a desk can see somebody come into the Centre, in order to welcome them. Their space should be separate enough that the welcome area does not seem like an office or a reception area. There should be storage space for stationary/pamphlets/bumph accessible to the office space. Space should be allocated for a photocopier, printer, server and other office machinery. Each workstation needs a telephone, computer point and light, shelf and drawer space. As well as the main ones there should be for 5 other workstations, which can be quite small. Can we have this many work stations without it appearing to be like a huge office which dominates the Centre? They dont have to all be in one block. Somewhere for staff to hang coats.

A video-viewing and computer-link information area or bay for the use of 4 people, probably not all together, but within shouting distance of the programme directors office area, so that he/she can help if necessary.

A kitchen area, like a country kitchen, with room for a large table to sit 12, which could be used for demonstrations/seminars/discussion groups. The kitchen should be relaxed and inviting enough for anybody to feel welcome to help themselves to coffee or tea. A central island on which cooking demonstrations could take place would be helpful.

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A large room for relaxation groups/lectures/meetings. A space sufficient to take a maximum of 14 people lying down. Storage space for relaxation/folding chairs. As much as possible, you should be able to open and shut walls (perhaps between this and welcome area/kitchen area) to have flexi-space, for more or less privacy, as occasion demands. The relaxation space should be capable of being soundproof when closed off.

Two smaller sitting/counselling room for 12 people with a fireplace or stove. This doesnt have to be very big it makes for a friendlier atmosphere if people have to budge up a bit. Perhaps there should be dividing doors to become a second large room, although each one would need to be individually soundproof.

Two (or one if the large room can sub-divide) small rooms for counselling or therapy, preferably with big windows looking out to grass/trees/sky. They should have a bit of character and perhaps they could have sliding doors that can be left open and be inviting when not in use. They should be soundproof. One should be able to take a treatment bed, preferably facing a window.

Lavatories (probably 3) with washbasins and mirrors, and at least one that is big enough to take a chair and a bookshelf. They should not be all in a row with gaps under the doors. Private enough to have a cry.

A very small quiet space to have a rest/lie down. Outside: garden areas and 10 parking spaces. If this is unlikely on the site, if possible make a drop-off

and pick-up area and perhaps a couple of disabled spaces. We like the idea of a continuous flow between house and garden space there should be somewhere to sit, easily accessed from the kitchen. We want the garden, like the kitchen, to be an easy public space for people to share and feel refreshed by. The relationship between inside and outside is important. A house protects you from the outside. Equally the outside of a garden is a buffer to the real outside. It is a place where you can feel sheltered but enjoy a bit of the kinder sides of nature. There are practical considerations about privacy, referred to later; we also want to consider how a garden can help invite you in through the door from the street (which is always a key factor) and maybe how to incorporate parking spaces without them being too intrusive.

PRACTICALITIESWe have got to run each Maggies Centre as economically as possible without compromising what we are trying to offer. We know that any kind of complex building costs more to build, but it will have to be borne in mind, at design level, that we have a small building budget and that subsequent building maintenance and cleaning should be as cheap as possible: wood floors/ease of access/6 light fittings preferable to 56.It might help to think of this as a positive restraint, not an economic constraint, in the sense that the aim of this project is to build a modest, humane building, which will encourage and not intimidate.

OVERALLWe want to make spaces that make people feel better rather than worse (most hospitals).Some things are obvious: As much light as possible. Important to be able to look out and even step out from as many rooms as possible into something

like a garden, a courtyard, or nature. At the same time, the sitting/counselling rooms (8) and (9) should have privacy, ie if they do have doors to the outside rooms, passers-by shouldnt intrude.

The interior spaces shouldnt be so open to the outside that people feel naked and unprotected. They should feel safe enough inside that they can look out and even go out if they wanted...this describes a state of mind, doesnt it?

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We want to have the minimum possible administration office type atmosphere. No doors with fundraiser on the outside. We want the ethos and scale to be domestic. We need to think of all the aspects of hospital layouts, which reinforce institution corridors, signs, secrets, confusion and then unpick them.

As a user of the building, we want you to approach the building, and see an obvious and enticing door. When you come in, we want the first impression to be welcoming. People may come to have a look, the first time.

We want Centre users to feel encouraged and not daunted: they are likely to be feeling frightened and very low anyway. We want them to have an idea of what is going on in the whole building when they come in. We want them to feel they have come into a family community in which they can participate, make their own tea or coffee, use a computer, sit down and borrow a book, even find somewhere they might have a sleep for half an hour. Things shouldnt be too perfect.

The rooms used for counselling should be completely private when they are in use; but it would be no bad thing if they could be opened up when they were not. We want users to know that they can say things in confidence and be quiet, but also be conscious that other things are going on around them that they might be interested in. For instance, they might be able to see what is going on in the kitchen but will not necessarily want to participate in the kitchen chat.

We want the building to feel like a home people wouldnt have quite dared build themselves, and which makes them feel that there is at least one positive aspect about their visit to the hospital which they may look forward to.

We want the building to make you feel, as Maggie made you feel when you had spent time with her, more buoyant, more optimistic, that life was more interesting when you left the room than when you walked into. Ambitious but possible?

I just felt the building enveloped me in love...its bright, its light and the first thing you do is smile.Trudy McLeay, Centre visitor

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Above all what matters is to not lose the joy of living in the fear of dying.Maggie Keswick Jencks

Maggies Centres are places that follow the ideas about cancer care, originally laid out by Maggie Keswick Jencks.

Maggie lived with terminal cancer for two years, and during that time she used her knowledge and experience to create a blueprint for a new type of care. Care based around the places that let people with cancer feel in control and not part of a production line; care that recognises the importance of reassuring spaces when people are feeling vulnerable; and care that never allows people to lose the joy of living in the fear of dying, as she put it. She died in 1995 but her ideas live on today in the Centres that bear her name.

Who was Maggie?