The John Morden retirement centre in south London has been named the UK’s best new building by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The facility, designed with the principles of biophilic design, is intended to enable dementia-friendly wayfinding and active involvement in the community. The building was constructed around a mature cedar tree that forms the centre of the garden. Inside, medical facilities are integrated with warm recreational spaces, including an art room, theatre and café. The facility was designed by architectural firm Mæ.
Dutch architect Ellen van Loon described the centre as “a place of joy and inspiration” and commended the way it integrated medical facilities and social spaces. Furthermore, it offered a “bold and hopeful model” for health and care centres for the elderly. The John Morden Centre was designed to have a positive impact on individuals’ physical and mental health, a goal that is achieved by the building’s ability to create a sense of belonging.
The shortlist for this year’s Stirling Prize was mainly centred around London, although the RIBA commended all of the buildings for their thoughtful and creative design. Alex Ely, founding director of Mæ, described the prize as a demonstration that there is hope for the sector of adult social care, which is in a perilous state. The John Morden Centre provides a model for other health and care facilities so that they too can create environments that positively impact people’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Other shortlisted entries were A House for Artists, London; Central Somers Town Community Facilities and Housing, London; The Courtauld Institute of Art, London; Lavender Hill Courtyard Housing, London and University of Warwick Faculty of Arts, Warwickshire
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