During emergencies, healthcare is generally provided by tents and temporary shelters, without considering the environmental and social impact of the structures as a priority, in favor of swift response. The resultant constructions intended as a temporary solution often persist for a long time. This paper aims to analyze an alternative and innovative modular structure designed as a transitory solution in emergencies and everyday life. The aim of this study is to assess and compare the energetic performance of a modular adaptive model for basic healthcare for people who are not subscribed to the Italian National Health System. The main goal is to challenge standard models by proposing a new model able to diminish the weaknesses of the current sanitary models, to improve the social conditions, flexibility and energy efficiency, and the thermal comfort of the occupants. In the first part of the paper, the conceptual framework and the preliminary design of the model are described by investigating the benefits of a safe space as a generator space for care services and the community. In the second part, the technological requirements of the system are defined by comparing the use of different panel structures and low-impact technologies. The energy efficiency and environmental impact of the model are assessed by comparing several panel structures in two different climatic areas in Italy (northern and Mediterranean areas) using SketchUp and EnergyPlus simulation. As a result, different configurations of the model are proposed according to the different climatic areas in order to optimize the model, from both an architectural and a technological point of view (box and panel composition).

In general, during emergencies, healthcare is provided by tents and temporary structures that do not consider the environmental and social impact of the structure as a first term, in favor of swift response. The resultant construction intended as a temporary solution often persists long-term. This paper aims to analyze an alternative and innovative modular structure designed as a transitory solution in emergency and everyday life. In the first part of the paper, the conceptual framework, and the preliminary design for the new approach to basic non-conventional sanitary spaces are described, by investigating the benefits of a safe space as a generator space for care services and community. In the second part, the technological requirements of the system, its energy efficiency, and environmental impact are analyzed.

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.