Monday 21 October 2024
Filming took place at Maggie’s in Yorkshire, with presenter Kevin McCloud describing the centre as ‘magical’ and a ‘fantastic reference point’ for architecture harnessing the healing power of nature.
In each episode of Grand Designs, a Channel 4 TV series, presenter Kevin McCloud follows an individual, a couple or a family as they see through an ambitious project to build the home of their dreams.
This particular episode features Tony and Ara building a house with a ‘healing’ atmosphere – a vision similar to that which Maggie's has been realising for nearly 30 years, with 24 centres in the UK and four abroad.
An entire segment of the episode is dedicated to Maggie's, and is filmed at Maggie's, Yorkshire.
In the feature, Kevin McCloud walks through the grounds of St James's University Hospital, highlighting the stark contrast between the hospital's ‘medical, functional and practical’ nature, and the ‘magical’ quality of Maggie's, located just around the corner.
He describes Maggie's as ‘a special place that acts as a fantastic reference point, where the therapeutic potential of nature is deployed in a truly unexpected way’.
It's hard to tell where the realm of nature ends and the human one begins.
The centre, designed by Heatherwick Studio to look like a canopy of trees, is built from natural, sustainable materials. It has a three-tiered forest roof, and is immersed in a garden made up of thousands of plants.
Find out more about the architecture and design of Maggie's Yorkshire.
Kevin McCloud with Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie's
At the heart of the centre, McCloud meets Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie's, to find out about the Maggie's philosophy: that good design is fundamental to good health and to creating the right space to support people living with cancer.
Dame Laura Lee says:
One of the most important things for us is how the building is going to make people feel.
“People with cancer come through our doors feeling isolated, and all of a sudden, the building just settles the mind and allows people to have conversations about the most difficult things.”
The Maggie's segment features in Episode 8, Series 22 of Grand Designs aired on Wednesday 16 October 2024. It is currently available on 4OD.
Last review: Oct 2024 | Next review: Oct 2027
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