Maggie's Center

Individual Project

2019

A Maggie’s Center is a place where cancer patients and their loved ones can seek counseling, socialize, and exercise in a calm, restorative atmosphere. This Maggie’s Center is located on the Baylor Scott & White campus in College Station, Texas. Three design aspects were implemented in this project: natural daylighting, biophilic design, and positive shapes.

Natural daylighting can be a good source of Vitamin D, and can regulate the body’s circadian system. This, along with biophilic design can calm the mind and help reduce stress and depression. Both of these aspects can help the body heal naturally. The shape of a buliding can affect the mood of the occupants. I chose to include a triangle and a rectangle with two convex curves. A triangle pointing up symbolizes forward motion, power, and achievement. Right angles make the building more stable, but too much can make the building feel artificial. Convex curves, which are found in nature, help with that and make the occupants feel more relaxed and connected with nature.

The main structural system of the buildings is steel beams, girders and columns. White HSS steel columns give a minimalist feel that blend in with the wood interior. A wooden drop-down ceiling hides the wide flange beams and girders. Concrete is used for the meditation room to distinquish it from the rest of the site. A helical pile foundation will be used to provide a faster, cheaper, and stronger option to support the building.

A greenhouse and a labyrinth are essential parts within the Maggie’s Center. Patients will have some serenity with nature and be able to calm down and enjoy their lives. Having the greenhouse and labyrinth close to the woods immerses the patients in nature, allowing their bodies to have the opportunity to heal naturally.

Hardiplank and stone are used as siding to give a home-y, natural feel. These materials will not easily catch on fire if one were to break out in the surrounding woods.