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

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 more adaptively and responsively. 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 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 construction time 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 in Italy, as detailed in the second part of the paper.