The best new building in the UK is the day center for elderly individuals.

The UK’s best new building has been awarded to an elderly day center, which architects have commended for its ability to bring happiness and inspiration to its visitors.

The John Morden Centre was honored with the esteemed Riba Stirling Prize 2023 by The Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba).

The day centre in Blackheath, south east London, which was redesigned by Mae Architects, offers care for the residents of Morden College charity. The judges praised it as a model for improving the standard of social healthcare.

It uses 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.

One resident, June, hailed the centre for providing the perfect environment for elderly people. Speaking on BBC Radio 4 this morning, she said: ‘We’re all of a certain age and we need relaxing atmospheres now and it provides that for us.’

The John Morden Centre (pictured) received the esteemed Riba Stirling Prize 2023 from the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba).

The residents praised the center for creating a serene environment with its use of glass, natural light, vibrant colors, and beautiful gardens.

She stated, “Our surroundings consist of glass and gardens, creating a more pleasant atmosphere, especially for people in our age range.”

June expressed her admiration for the lightweight and airy nature of something, mentioning that the colors are soothing to the eyes.

Founding director of Mae, Alex Ely, welcomed June’s comments, adding: ‘It’s very much a building designed to help the residents thrive in their later life. It’s got a health centre, it’s got an arts room, it’s got a theatre space.

‘We all deserve to live better in our later life. We know many illnesses and ailments come about from loneliness from isolation and this is a building that instils a sense of community and brings the residents together.’

Mr. Ely added that the situation has resulted in stronger connections among the residents.

The John Morden Centre successfully defended itself against five other competitors, including A House for Artists, Barking, and the Faculty of Arts at the University of Warwick.

The other three finalists were Central Somers Town Community Facilities and Housing, Lavender Hill Courtyard Housing, Clapham, and Courtauld Connects – The Courtauld Institute of Art. 

Architect Ellen van Loon, speaking as a representative of the Riba Stirling Prize jury, expressed that the John Morden Centre is a location that brings happiness and motivation.

The judges praised the center for demonstrating how to elevate the standard of quality in social healthcare.

The magnificent structure includes rooms for art, a space for theatre, a health center, and lovely gardens.

‘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.

At every corner and in every aspect, it is clear that there is a deliberate effort to establish a positive and communal atmosphere.

This structure offers a cozy and inviting environment, incorporating considerate elements to discourage feelings of seclusion.

It demonstrates the potential for buildings to have a therapeutic effect, promoting care and fostering a sense of belonging.

This building is a prime example of how great architecture can create an environment that enables people to flourish and succeed.

The structure consists of a sequence of pavilions made of red bricks, serving as areas for care and social activities. It features a central wooden cloister and a prominent cedar tree, which serves as the main attraction in the garden.

Echoing the 17th century buildings is a zinc-clad roof and high chimneys and the centre also features a reception hall, a large theatre hall, medical facilities, an art room, hair and nail salon and cafe.

There is also a concealed wooden handrails and built-in seating along walkways for those with mobility issues and ‘high-contrast patterns on the edges of floors’ to help dementia patients find their way.

Mr. Ely expressed that working on the center has been an extremely rewarding endeavor.

Two senior individuals engage in conversation while seated at the center. The architects praised the center as a location that brings happiness and motivation.

He stated: ‘In a time when adult social care is in a dangerous condition, this recognition shows that there is potential for improvement in the field. The project provides a blueprint for those in the health and care industry, motivating them to establish settings that have a positive influence on individuals’ mental and physical well-being.’

The structure employs a technique known as passive ventilation, which utilizes chimneys to reduce the amount of energy required for heating and cooling the facility.

“I cannot reword”

Our goal is to ensure the elderly individuals under our care receive the highest quality of life through the provision of homes, love, support, and care.

‘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, Mae. Thank you, Riba.’

The winners of the awards include Houlton School in Warwickshire, designed by van Heyningen & Haward Architects’ (vHH), which received the first Riba Reinvention prize. Onion Collective was also recognized as the client of the year for their project East Quay in Somerset.

Conrad Koslowsky Architects received the Stephen Lawrence Prize for their work on Lighthouse Children’s Home, a London-based location. Apparata Architects won the Neave Brown Award for Housing for their project, A House for Artists, also located in London.