Adaptive Design for Socially-Oriented Healthcare: Integrating essential MEP Systems into SIP Structures for Long-Term Temporary Applications

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a flexible, demountable, and fully equipped architectural system, conceived in response to insights from a previous study involving interviews with third-sector healthcare providers. The aim was to rethink meta-design strategies in a more adaptive and responsive way.

The research highlighted a growing demand for spatial solutions that address not only clinical needs but also the broader social dimensions of well-being, in line with the World Health Organization’s framework of Social Determinants of Health (SDH). This broader perspective calls for a shift in architectural practice—one where the built environment contributes proactively to both individual and community health, extending beyond conventional medical settings.

The study identified several essential spatial requirements: flexibility, demountability, ease of transport and storage, rapid on-site assembly, and seamless integration with utility networks.

In response, the proposed system reconfigures traditional Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) through a Design for Disassembly (DfD) approach, enhancing them with pre-integrated service cavities capable of accommodating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. These upgraded panels are supported by a flexible design strategy that allows for context-specific configurations, ensuring optimal adaptability across different scenarios.

This approach significantly reduces on-site labour and enables immediate functionality without requiring additional installations or interior finishes. The system’s feasibility is validated through a design matrix and the implementation of three theoretical case studies in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, as detailed in the second part of the paper.

Owing to its modularity and ease of deployment, the system also demonstrates strong potential for post-emergency applications, offering a scalable, dignified, and efficient architectural solution for temporary healthcare and community-focused environments.