HomeArchitectureThe new Maggie’s Centre by Benedetta Tagliabue and Patricia Urquiola

The new Maggie’s Centre by Benedetta Tagliabue and Patricia Urquiola

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The Kálida Sant Pau Centre is the first building created by the Maggie’s Centre international network in mainland Europe: it is located within the Sant Pau Hospital in Barcelona, an art-nouveau hospital built in 1930 which is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain and one of the masterpieces of Catalan Modernism.

The new institute for cancer care has been designed by Benedetta Tagliabue – principal of EMBT – to create a welcoming place capable of combining beauty and social utility, working together with Patricia Urquiola who has designed the interiors.

To enhance the exuberant ornaments of the existing complex, distinguished by its red-brick facades, the architect has enriched the external wall with bricks of different geometries, shapes and colours, drawing surprising patterns and decorations.

The exagonal shape of the plan suggested a division of space consisting of functional areas and open configurations, including a dining room, a kitchen area and a small library; moreover, there is a garden lined with patios, trees and pergolas.

The whole project has been inspired by the richness of materials, textures, colours, geometries, drawings and greenery of the original hospital complex; in addition, the interior design is characterised by the use of furniture freely donated by great Italian brand such as Cappellini, Mutina, Moroso and Listone Giordano.

Wood and ceramic tiles for floors and walls, patterned sofas, rugs and decorative hanging lights finally dress the spaces, creating a bright, homely environment conceived to give personal support and authentic serenity.

Photography is by Lluc Miralles.