A surprising London building has just been named one of the world’s most beautiful

From sprawling mansions to ancient castles, the UK has no shortage of architectural marvels.

But now, the most beautiful buildings in the world have been named – and the only entry from the UK isn’t The Shard or Tower Bridge, but a building in a hospital.

Making the cut alongside world-famous structures such as the Taj Mahal and the Pantheon is the Maggie’s Cancer Centre, which sits within St James’ Hospital in Leeds.

The centre breaks with the sterile tradition of many British medical institutions. There’s no clinical brickwork here: think floor-to-ceiling glass windows, wooden atriums, and thick, jungle-style fauna.

The centre was built by Maggie, a cancer charity, in 2019, and provides support for people living with cancer, as well as those who love someone living with it.

It’s all in keeping with the ethos behind the charity, which is to provide a calming space for people amid the stress and uncertainty that a cancer diagnosis can often bring. And in the architects’ view, ‘great design can help people feel better.’

With that in mind, the centre’s interiors incorporate everything the Maggie’s team feels is often missing in healing environments, including natural materials and soft lighting.

The building was ranked at number 19 on TimeOut’s worldwide list, and number 8 in Europe.

The building has three designated counselling rooms, alongside the centre’s ‘heart,’ which is comprised of the kitchen, social spaces, a library and an exercise room – all of which are often used for group activities, including yoga and Tai Chi.

There’s also a rooftop garden, inspired by the woodlands and rolling hills of rural Yorkshire.

The centre’s visitors are also welcome to give a helping hand in the garden, and their efforts are crucial in sustaining the life of the 23,000 bulbs and 17,000 plants that grow there.

Outside of the UK, India’s Taj Mahal took the crown as the world’s most beautiful building, which was famously described not as a ‘piece of architecture, but the proud passion of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.’

Since it opened in 1648 after a seventeen-year construction project, between 7 and 8 million holidaymakers flock each year to marvel at its detailed marble design and famously onion-shaped dome.

Striking architecture aside, Maggie’s supporters have a strong legacy of fundraising. In 2023, Caroline Frith was named JustGiving’s top female fundraiser after she completed the London Marathon with stage 4 cancer, having raised more than £22,000 for the charity.

So, in the words of Maggie’s, the kettle’s already on – all you need to do is come in.

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