LONDON.- The Royal Institute of British Architects has named the John Morden Centre - a retirement day centre in London - by Mæ as the winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize 2023, sponsored by Autodesk. Presented since 1996, the prestigious prize is awarded to the UK’s best new building.

The John Morden Centre provides day care for residents of Morden College, a retirement community, in Blackheath. The new centre complements existing buildings on the Grade I-listed college grounds, including an almshouse and chapel, both attributed to St Paul's Cathedral architect Sir Christopher Wren.

The building is arranged as a series of red brick ‘pavilions’ housing care and social spaces, stitched together by a central timber ‘cloister’. A striking, zinc-clad roof and high chimneys echo those of its 17th century neighbours.

A light and airy reception hall is the starting point for a journey through the new building which follows a meandering walkway and terminates in a large theatre hall – part of an existing structure that has been seamlessly upgraded and integrated. A generous overhanging roof, along the exterior of the cloister, provides shade and shelter all year-round.

The centre carefully integrates medical facilities with a range of warm and natural feeling recreational spaces to encourage connections and counter isolation, including an art room, hair and nail salon and café. The theatre provides a backdrop for larger scale events - from parties to tribute performances.

Design choices throughout the building sensitively anticipate the varied needs, abilities and disabilities of users. Features, such as level thresholds, concealed wooden handrails and built-in seating along walkways, offer opportunities for respite while enabling active participation in the community life of the centre. High-contrast patterns on the edges of floors provide dementia-friendly wayfinding, helping residents to navigate between spaces.

Employing principles of ‘biophilic design’, the centre is carefully embedded within the surrounding natural environment. The linear path of the cloister adjusts as it meanders between the existing mature landscape, including a large cedar tree - the focal point of the garden. There are plenty of places to rest, inside and out, and enjoy the natural, changing light and views.

The building uses simple and effective low carbon techniques. The use of materials, such as cross-laminated timber to form the structure, has reduced embodied carbon in the construction process, while lime-based mortar will enable future reuse of the brick cladding. Passive ventilation, utilising the buildings chimneys, minimises the operational energy needed to heat and cool the centre.

Speaking on behalf of the RIBA Stirling Prize jury, Ellen van Loon, said: “The John Morden Centre is a place of joy and inspiration. It sensitively and seamlessly integrates medical facilities and social spaces, delivering a bold and hopeful model for the design of health and care centres for the elderly. Creating an environment that lifts the spirits and fosters community is evident at every turn and in every detail.

This building provides comfort and warmth, with thoughtful features designed to prevent isolation. It illustrates how buildings can themselves be therapeutic – supporting care and instilling a sense of belonging. Great architecture orients people so they can thrive, and this building is exemplary at achieving exactly that.”

Founding Director of Mæ, Alex Ely said: "The John Morden Centre has been a really fulfilling project to work on. At a time when adult social care is in a perilous state, this award demonstrates that there is hope for the sector and the project offers up a model for others working within health and care – inspiring them to create environments that positively impact on people’s mental and physical health.”

Chief Executive of Morden College, David Rutherford-Jones, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have won the RIBA Stirling Prize 2023. Our mission is to give the very best possible life to the older people we provide homes, love, support and care for. The John Morden Centre, a beautiful, tactile space that has true purpose, sits at the heart of that effort – a true hub of life. Thank you, Mæ. Thank you, RIBA.”

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki, said: “Loneliness and isolation are critical issues, particularly for older people. The John Morden Centre’s elegance and efficacy sets a high standard for spaces that support healthier, happier and more independent lives. It illustrates the positive potential of architecture to strengthen vibrant and active communities.

This is a skilfully designed package that minimises the building’s impact on our planet’s delicate ecology, while also harnessing the therapeutic value of the surrounding nature. It stands as a testament to the vision and ambition of Morden College, Mæ’s creativity – and the exemplary collaboration between them.”