Hopkins' criticism of the Maggie Center in London by Steven Holl

In recent years, a number of community centers for cancer patients have been established on the British Isles thanks to the initiative of Charles Jencks. Renowned creators are behind the intimate projects of the Maggie centers. One such center is also set to be established on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Saint Bartholomew's in London (Barts) according to a design by New York architect Steven Holl. However, Michael Hopkins critically expressed his views in an open letter to city architects regarding the suitability of Holl's proposal within the historic 18th-century grounds, stating that his own project for the reconstruction of the adjacent 'Great Hall' represents a unique opportunity to restore the grounds to their original state, and Holl's design would prevent the installation of an accessible elevator, cloakrooms, restrooms, and other facilities needed to hold full-scale social events in the Great Hall. In his open letter, Hopkins further points out that the existing Maggie centers have been characterized by low-rise structures and placements within a relaxed urban setting amidst nature.

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