Creating a Welcoming Space for Patients, Staff and Visitors
BMJ Architects designed the Beatson Café at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, transforming underused entrance areas into a light, welcoming space for patients, staff and visitors.
The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre is Scotland’s largest cancer centre and the second largest in the UK, serving a population of 2.6 million. Beatson Cancer Charity wanted to raise its profile, become more approachable, and continue supporting enhanced care, specialist staff, research, equipment and service development.
Fueling the Fight Against Cancer
The café was created by linking two separate underused areas at the entrance to the Tom Wheldon Building. Previously impersonal and uncomfortable spaces were reworked to create a brighter, more relaxed environment where people could meet, pause, and spend time away from the clinical setting.
Concept and Strategy
The design incorporates Beatson’s corporate colours while aiming to be more than a coffee shop. It creates a welcoming place to chat, relax, and briefly escape the hospital environment.
BMJ opened up the side wall to the existing servery, creating a more spacious and contemporary feel. The waiting area and café seating now have a stronger relationship, both physically and through materiality, views and atmosphere.
The project was delivered in phases within a live hospital environment, with infection control requirements maintained throughout. Works to the waiting area were carried out at weekends, while the café seating area could be refurbished during normal working hours.
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