Uplifting human spirits for the long-term
Alex Ely will be giving a talk on the John Morden Centre and the work of the practice at Design West's Annual Stirling Prize Lecture at the Exeter Picturehouse, Exeter on Wednesday 29th November at 6.30pm and at the Arnolfini, Bristol on Thursday 30th November at 6.30pm. Tickets can be booked at Design West
November 2023
Our new publication 'Towards a Resilient Architecture' is out now. Published by Quart the book is a rallying call to create more resilient cities, diverse neighbourhoods, responsible buildings, and high quality homes. The projects features work by Mæ from the last 21 years of practice.
December 2022 View Article
Alex Ely has been invited to speak at the RIAS annual conference on Friday 10th November at the Merchants House, Glasgow. He will join the afternoon session speaking on the subject 'Leadership and Resilience', chaired by Isla Jackson Director Civic Engineers. The RIAS Conference is the single largest annual gathering for architects in Scotland and is an opportunity to bring people together to discuss how architects can use and develop their skills, and be a key part of Scotland’s future as a green, resilient and healthy nation.
November 2023 Read more
The John Morden Centre and Agar Grove Phase 1b have each received a RIBA National Award 2023. The RIBA National Awards are given to buildings across the UK in recognition of their significant contributions to architecture.
2023's winners, announced on 22 June 2022, were selected by the jury (members of the RIBA Awards Group), chaired by Denise Bennetts, from the RIBA Regional Award winners.
June 2023 Read more
The John Morden Centre by Mæ has been named winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize 2023, awarded to the UK's best new building.
Ellen van Loon, Chair of the RIBA Stirling Prize jury, says:
“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. Dedication to creating an environment that lifts the spirits and fosters community is evident at every turn and in every detail.
This robust 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.”
October 2023 View Project
Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm, Be First, has chosen eight teams for its new architecture framework. The framework is intended to support the delivery of Be First’s ambitions to build up to 4,000 homes in Barking and Dagenham, and will run from 2023 to 2027.
Be First head of design Jacob Willson said: ‘We’re committed to developing new high-quality, sustainable, and affordable communities that deliver social value for the people living here in Barking and Dagenham, and the designer framework is central to achieving this ambition.'
October 2023
Our 75 unit housing scheme, for the London Borough of Bromley has been awarded Planning Consent. Due to start on site in spring 2024 the scheme will deliver 50% will be much needed, social rent flats. The scheme repurposes a car park on a prime location next to Bromley North railway station. The development comprises two pavilion buildings with ground floor commercial units that frame a new public space and open up a new pedestrian route to the station.
October 2023
Episode Nineteen of A is for Architecture’s second season is a conversation between host Ambrose Gillick and Mæ’s founding director, Alex Ely, talking about his practice’s recent book, Towards a Resilient Architecture, published by Quart in 2022. Mæ’s work has an increasing focus on sustainability integrated into the whole life of the scheme.
February 2023 Listen to podcast here
It's with great pleasure Mæ share the most recent short film of The John Morden Centre at Morden College in Blackheath, a day-care and health facility that explores solutions to the issue of loneliness amongst elderly people.
A charming video from Dezeen by Jim Stephenson Films.
"Buildings can play a major part in supporting longer, healthier and independent lives. The goal of the building is to foster a community atmosphere, allowing residents to live life to the full and have fun" Alex Ely states
Many thanks to all the team who worked on the project and film.
