LONDON.- Maggie's Centre, a beautiful cancer care sanctuary in west London by Richard Rogers' practice Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners has won the coveted RIBA Stirling Prize 2009 in association with The Architects Journal and Crystal CG. This is the second time the practice has been awarded the RIBA Stirling Prize (Barajas Airport, Spain, 2006).

The presentation of the UK's premier architectural award took place at a special awards ceremony this evening (Saturday 17 October) at Old Billingsgate in London, and was televised live on Channel 4 at 9pm.

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners’ Maggie’s Centre exceeds at every level in fulfilling the most demanding of briefs: to create a sanctuary for terminally ill cancer sufferers with client Charles Jencks, whose deep conviction of architecture’s power to shape our experience has led to a series of cancer care centres creating a fitting memorial to his wife Maggie.

This quietly confident building is truly, unquestionably a haven for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. RogersStirk Harbour+ Partners’achievement is in having created a completely informal, home-like sanctuary to help patients learn to live with cancer.

Conceived as a two-storey pavilion, the centre’s positive spirit is signalled with a bold roof canopy that hovers high above the walls to sail protectively over a series of intimate internal gardens, courtyards and roof terraces. A deep orange rendered wall puts a protective arm around it, making it a place apart without denying it is a part of the city. This antithesis of a hospital provides an open house in the city.

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners has produced a timeless work of architecture that not only distils the intentions of this brief but expresses in built form compassion, sensitivity and a deep sense of our common humanity.

RIBA President Ruth Reed announced the winner, and former RIBA President Marco Goldschmied awarded the £20,000 cash prize, which was generously donated by the Marco Goldschmied Foundation, to Richard Rogers.

Speaking tonight, RIBA President Ruth Reed said: “The shortlist for this year’s RIBA Stirling Prize was of an exceptionally high standard, and I would like to congratulate each of the shortlisted entries. In the Maggie's Centre we have a much deserved winner, and I am delighted to award Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners with architecture’s highest accolade.”

RogersStirk Harbour + Partners has won the RIBA Stirling Prize once before in 2006 for Barajas Airport in Spain. This is the second time they have been shortlisted twice in the same year, the practice was also nominated for National Assembly for Wales (2006).

Maggie's Centre was chosen from five outstanding shortlisted entries:

• 5 Aldermanbury Square, Londonby Eric Parry Architects
• Bodegas Protos, Spain by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
• FuglsangKunstmuseum, Denmarkby Tony Fretton Architects
• KentishTown Health Centre,London by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
• LiverpooolOne Masterplan, Liverpool by BDP

The RIBA Stirling Prize jury comprised of: John Tuomey, architect and chair of the panel; Stephen Bates, architect.; Thomas Heatherwick, designer; Sir John Sorrell, Chair of CABE; and Benedetta Tagliabue, architect.

This is the 14th year the RIBA Stirling Prize has been presented. Last year's winner was Accordia by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Alison Brooks Architects, and Maccreanor Lavington. The previous winners are: Museum of Modern Literature by David Chipperfield Architects, Barajas Airport in Madrid by Richard Rogers Partnership, The Scottish Parliament, designed by EMBT / RMJM, 30 St. Mary Axe by Foster and Partners; the Laban Centre, London by Herzog & de Meuron; Gateshead Millennium Bridge by Wilkinson Eyre; Magna, Rotherham by Wilkinson Eyre; Peckham Library and Media Centre by Alsop and Störmer; the NatWest Media Centre at Lord's Cricket Ground by Future Systems; the American Air Museum at Duxford by Foster and Partners; The Music School, Stuttgart by Michael Wilford and Partners; and the Centenary Building, University of Salford, by Hodder Associates.