‘A space of their own’: how cancer centres designed by top architects can offer hope

The article highlights the Maggie's Centres, a network of cancer care facilities designed by renowned architects, which aim to provide a more welcoming and uplifting environment for cancer patients. Maggie Keswick Jencks, a Scottish artist and garden designer, conceived the idea for these centres after experiencing the clinical and alienating atmosphere of traditional cancer treatment facilities. The article mentions an exhibition at the V&A Dundee that celebrates the work of architects such as Zaha Hadid, Richard Rogers, and Norman Foster, who have designed these Maggie's Centres. The centres are intended to offer patients "a space of their own" within the hospital setting, where they can find hope and not lose the joy of living while facing the fear of dying. The article highlights the importance of creating a more humane and supportive environment for cancer patients, as opposed to the traditional clinical and impersonal settings, which can further impact the emotional and psychological well-being of those undergoing treatment.