Modular Construction for Temporary Healthcare and Social Facilities Infrastructures: Toward Circular and Adaptive Solutions

The building sector is among the most polluting industries worldwide due to its environmental impact across the entire life cycle. Prefabricated and modular architectures can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and minimizing end-of-life waste. This chapter first examines the state of the art of modular systems and their use in emergency contexts, analyzing existing literature and current construction practices. It then compares the main modular solutions currently available on the market, highlighting their strengths and limitations, especially in relation to UNHCR emergency standards. In response, the chapter proposes a new modular system strategy based on a panel-based adaptive system, developed through the enhancement of existing structural insulated panels using natural materials and comparison with other systems. The proposal offers a fully integrated plug-and-play approach, accompanied by a matrix of potential combinations and implementation strategies, enabling flexible, efficient, and circular applications in temporary healthcare and social infrastructures.