Maggie’s Centers Exhibition Shows How Architecture Promotes Health and Healing

Maggie’s Centers, an organization offering free practical, social and emotional support to people with cancer and their families, has recently opened an exhibition. Maggie’s Centers is built on the grounds of cancer hospitals by notable architects such as Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas and Steven Holl.

The project is an initiative by the late Maggie Keswick Jencks and architect Charles Jencks, as a response to Maggie’s experience with cancer. According to the late Mrs. Jencks, they wanted to build an environment so people with cancer will not “lose the joy of living in the fear of dying.”

During a recent discussion at the New York School of Interior Design, Charles Jencks referred to the Maggie’s Centers and how architecture can help promote a space of healing. “The metaphor of hope is crucial to both architecture and health,” Jencks said. “Both professions project for better futures.”

NYSID president David Sprouls said, “Maggie’s offers an essential service to those with cancer, and we wanted to shine a light on the important work they do and bring it to a US audience.” Sprouls added, “NYSID also offers a Master’s program in Healthcare Interior Design, so the two institutions share the belief that one’s environment can promote healing.”

The exhibition which will run until the end of April centers on five aspects and explores how each one combines practical, emotional and social support. It is a space that is part-hospital, part-church, part-museum and part-home.
Jencks, in his speech, made a strong argument that architecture alone does not heal but pointed out that there are classic spaces that promote healing of patients and gives a sense of hope. He also said that the importance of creating inspiring spaces do not only work for patients and their families but for caregivers and support staff as well. Jencks also cited that the different architectural elements made by architects and designers with the previous Maggie’s Centers built in the UK to be metaphors of hope.

The exhibition will run until April 25 at the NYSID Gallery 161 E 69th Street, New York City.