Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres have embraced and celebrated biophilic design not only in their interiors but also in the fabric of the architecture, the landscapes and views of nature, plants and trees within and without their buildings. And it is making a phenomenal difference. As the seasons change, so the views change. “Nature is Joyful, and it helps us feel joyful and when we feel joyful we can handle so much more of what life throws at us.” Maggie’s is visionary, it’s mould-breaking and is important evidence that biophilic design is ESSENTIAL in healthcare. This podcast is incredibly important for anyone working in biophilic design. I had the good fortune to speak with Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres. “You can’t retrofit spirit or soul in a building you have to get it right from the outset and that requires very thoughtful design and time.”

For years I’ve been fascinated by the inspirational spaces that are Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres. Not only are they beautifully designed places architecturally, but they are exemplars of how biophilic design can really make a truly phenomenal difference to patients and their families. “Nature offers curiosity and constant creativity... good design, thoughtful materials and how things touch and feel, it’s the visual landscape that your eyes are feasting on that is so important.”

A quote that Maggie wrote, “Not to lose the joy of living in the fear of dying”. Something I think we can all take heart from, and embrace the living essence of our natural world and incorporate it into our hospitals, homes and workplaces.