Comment on Bridget Rosewell’s review of The Maggie Centre
I went to see Dan’s garden at the Maggie Centre for the first time this week and really recommend that your reviewers go back and take another look.
The relationship between the building and garden struck me as masterly. There are a series of peaceful little courtyards and roof terraces that have long views out into the gardens and the street beyond. The place felt calm and joyful while remaining open to the world outside. The people working in and visiting the Centre clearly love it.
The garden still has to mature, but the confident simplicity of the planting, the warm colours of the walls and the relaxed approach through the plane trees take you into a place which is very different from the harsh clatter of NHS wards.
Faced with a very difficult site and a small charity budget, Dan has managed to create a calm and welcoming eddy off a busy road intersection. You just need to see the smiles on the people using the Centre to be convinced.
Kim Wilkie Associates website
