Below is a **concise summary** of the key principles commonly referenced in the **Maggie’s Centres Architecture and Landscape Brief** (often called the “Maggie’s Brief”). While different architects uniquely design each Maggie’s Centre, the foundational guidelines in the Maggie’s Brief focus on creating supportive, welcoming environments for people affected by cancer and their families. These principles also apply to the interplay between architecture and landscape in “Maggie’s House” concepts: **1. Domestic Scale & Familiarity** **“Spaces should evoke a sense of home rather than institution.”** • Maggie’s Centres prioritize a **domestic, human scale**. • Warm, comfortable materials and finishes help reduce clinical feel. **2. Connection to Nature & Landscape** **“Allow the garden to become an integral part of the interior experience.”** • Visual and physical links to greenery, gardens, or natural elements. • Large windows and views to bring daylight and the outside world in. **3. Welcoming, Non-Institutional Atmosphere** **“The environment should be uplifting, encouraging social interaction yet providing areas of privacy.”** • Open-plan communal areas for gathering, balanced by quiet nooks or private rooms. • Natural light, soft furnishings, and user-friendly layouts to reduce anxiety. **4. Supporting Emotional & Psychological Well-Being** **“Design must foster well-being and reduce stress for users and families.”** • Spaces that allow conversation, reflection, or counseling in a calm setting. • Inclusion of art, color, and personal touches that resonate with the local community. **5. Clear & Simple Circulation** **“Wayfinding should be intuitive, without institutional signage.”** • Visitors should feel at ease moving around; **avoid long corridors** or confusing layouts. • Visual cues and natural lighting help users orient themselves. **6. Flexibility for Evolving Needs** **“Adaptable spaces accommodate changing healthcare practices and user demands.”** • Multipurpose rooms that can be used for group sessions, workshops, or private meetings. • Furniture that can be reconfigured easily. **7. Calm, Soothing Atmosphere** **“Promote calmness through material selection, lighting, and acoustic comfort.”** • Natural materials (timber, stone), gentle color palettes, and attention to sound absorption. • Soft transitions between indoors and outdoors to encourage relaxation. **8. Privacy & Openness in Balance** **“Provide places for private counseling as well as social interaction, without feeling isolated.”** • Segmented zones that allow for private conversations. • Common kitchen or living-area concept that invites communal activity while respecting boundaries. **9. Sustainability & Responsibility** **“Minimize environmental impact and create a positive legacy for the community.”** • Passive solar strategies, efficient insulation, and low-energy lighting/heating. • Landscape design that supports biodiversity, uses native planting, and respects local ecology. **10. Inclusivity & Accessibility** **“All users—regardless of mobility, age, or condition—should feel comfortable and welcome.”** • Ramps, non-slip surfaces, clear circulation for wheelchairs, and easy-to-grasp door handles. • Consideration for sensory impairments, clear signage, and supportive seating. **Notes on Sources** 1. **Maggie’s Official Publications** • The Maggie’s Centres organization occasionally updates its design guidance and shares its philosophy in reports or project documentation. The “Architecture and Landscape Brief” outlines these core concepts for all Maggie’s projects. 1. **Architect-Specific Interpretations** • Each Maggie’s Centre is designed by a different prominent architect (e.g., Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, Rem Koolhaas, Steven Holl). While the **fundamental principles** remain consistent, each building interprets them uniquely. 1. **Further Reading** • _Maggie’s: Blueprint for Cancer Care_ by Charles Jencks and Edwin Heathcote • Maggie’s website ([maggies.org](https://www.maggies.org)) for insights into the charity’s mission, and individual centre design statements. These **ten principles** reflect the central goals of a Maggie’s Centre: providing holistic support in an uplifting, non-clinical environment that respects both human needs and the natural landscape.