Maggies Centre for cancer patients in London, created by Richard Rogers, has won the 2009 RIBA Stirling Design Prize. Maggies Centre for cancer patients in London, created by Richard Rogers, has won the 2009 RIBA Stirling Design Prize. (RIBA/Courtesy Richard Rogers)

A cancer centre in London designed by Richard Rogers has captured the prestigious international Stirling Prize for architecture.

The award is handed out annually by the Royal Institute of British Architects. The burnt-orange building was opened last year by Sarah Brown, wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Jury members lauded Maggies Centre for not looking clinical, saying it "could be a private house in a Finnish forest instead of a health building."

"The centre's positive spirit is signalled with a bold roof canopy that hovers high above the walls to sail protectively over a series of intimate internal gardens, courtyards and roof terraces. A deep orange rendered wall puts a protective arm around it, making it a place apart without denying it is a part of the city," said a statement released Saturday evening when the victor was announced in London.

Designed through Rogers's firm, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the award-winning building was one of two by the 76-year-old architect that made this year's short list. His other building was the Bodegas Protos winery in Spain.

The win is a moral triumph for Rogers — who also won the £20,000 ($33,900) prize in 2006 for Barajas Airport in Madrid — due to some critical remarks by Prince Charles.

Earlier this year, the prince tried to prevent an apartment complex designed by Rogers from being erected in London's Chelsea district. The prince was particularly dismissive of Rogers's design.

Others on the short list included:

  • 5 Aldermanbury Square, London, by Eric Parry Architects.
  • Fuglsang Kunstmuseum, Denmark, by Tony Fretton Architects.
  • Kentish Town Health Centre, London, by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.
  • Liverpoool One Masterplan, Liverpool, by BDP.

Last year's winner was the Accordia housing complex in Cambridge, England, by Alison Brooks Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley and Maccreanor Lavington.