Following recent global events surrounding the crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus and its impact, we have witnessed the creation of numerous sanitary camps, field hospitals, and retrofitted halls, indoor arenas, and exhibition centers. These facilities aim to care for the hundreds of patients expected as infections continue to grow exponentially.
As thinkers, we believe this pandemic has not only claimed thousands of lives and halted the global economy, but has also distanced us from our humanity through the constant barrage of statistics, figures, and percentages in the media and on social networks. Regarding emergency healthcare architecture, we disagree with what seems to be the dominant response, which forces those infected by the virus to sleep in cold stadiums, retrofitted shipping containers, and anonymous camps. This represents perhaps the worst scenario we, as citizens, can imagine for the services a healthcare system should provide to its population.
- Related article:
"Emergency Architecture: Design Responds to the Crisis"
In response, the University of Morón—through its School of Architecture, Design, Art, and Urbanism and the Institute for Research in Design and Georeferencing (IGEO), in partnership with the company TAO Soluciones Constructivas and supported by a network of local businesses and architecture firms—has developed a highly efficient, rapidly deployable modular hospital system. Designed to address this crisis, it is also envisioned as a lasting resource beyond the current pandemic, focusing exclusively on the well-being of patients and healthcare workers, with the understanding that we must not lose our humanity to overcome this crisis.
This Community Emergency Module (EMC) is based on contemporary organizational, functional, and technological concepts, as well as on scientific critiques—heightened in light of recent events—regarding how a facility designed to heal can inadvertently worsen a crisis. These issues include isolating patients rather than keeping them connected, creating transition spaces and clean zones for healthcare staff, naturally ventilating and illuminating spaces to counter overcrowding and "sick" air, and separating patients by stages to keep severe cases apart from asymptomatic or mild cases that still require observation.
Additionally, the modular combination system allows for growth, functional adaptability, and organization, ranging from small observation rooms and primary care units to a complex network of spaces for hospitalization, emergency rooms, and intermediate or intensive care, depending on specific needs. It consistently provides comfortable shelter for those navigating this situation—whether patients or healthcare staff—aiming to address the psychological challenges arising from the sense of helplessness and uncontrollable loss that often characterize these events.
The "EMC" was designed to enable public administrations to deliver a rapid, affordable, and easily implemented response. Beyond healthcare facilities, its variations can adapt to housing, education, municipal or government assistance centers, and decentralized workspaces. This flexibility applies to evacuation camps and emergency situations like the current pandemic, as well as other unforeseen future crises.
The system also addresses several key considerations. First, regarding its technology, it is constructed using affordable, lightweight materials, and its manufacturing and assembly processes are highly efficient, requiring virtually no heavy machinery and featuring a straightforward assembly process. Its modules, using TAO panels, work as a system of prefabricated pieces that interlock to generate the necessary space to house patients in just a few hours. They are designed to be unloaded manually from a truck by a small crew, eliminating the need for cranes or lifting machinery.
Second, in terms of energy efficiency, each module can be transformed into a fresh-air draft system simply by opening small vents or nozzles. This improves indoor climate control in hot weather and retains ambient warmth in cold weather. Insulation also plays a key role, particularly SIP panels (Structural Insulated Panels) due to their high thermal performance, alongside cross-ventilation facilitated by the window and door systems. Other features include solar thermal systems for water and space heating, geothermal ventilation, and rainwater harvesting.
Ultimately, beyond these applications, the EMC module is a selfless effort by a group of professionals from the fields of architecture and construction. It is another example of the initiatives led by the School of Architecture at the University of Morón to demonstrate the immense potential of academia when united with the public and private sectors to address societal challenges.
Technical Specifications
Base Module
- Covered area: 26.35 m²
- Execution time: 22 days
- Number of people for execution: 6
Primary Care Center
- Number of base modules: 11
- Covered area: 289.85 m²
- Green area: 170.40 m²
- Execution time: 28 days
- Number of people for execution: 12
Care Center 1
- Number of base modules: 15
- Covered area: 395.25 m²
- Green area: 262.75 m²
- Execution time: 30 days
- Number of people for execution: 12
Care Center 2
- Number of base modules: 18
- Covered area: 474.30 m²
- Green area: 315.30 m²
- Execution time: 35 days
- Number of people for execution: 20
Care Center 3
- Number of base modules: 30
- Covered area: 790.50 m²
- Green area: 475.45 m²
- Execution time: 36 days
- Number of people for execution: 40
Project Team
- IGEO | Project and general concept: Arch. Alejandro Borrachia
- IGEO collaborator team: Arch. Gabriel Sottile, Matías Carloni
- Working team: TAO soluciones constructivas S.R.L.
- Project and general concept: Arch. Guillermo Badano
- TAO collaborator team: Arch. Miguel Gonzalez
- Participating architecture firms: BDB Arquitectos (Arch. Guillermo Badano, Arch. Ana Badowski, Arch. Sergio Rodriguez, Arch. Alejandro Acosta, Eng. Jaime Orozco), APEO (Arch. Lorenzo De La Mata, Emiliano Mildemberg, Martin Gagliardi), EB – Estudio Borrachia (Arch. Alejandro Borrachia + Team)
- University departments involved in these developments: Department of Planning and Building Construction of the Universidad de Morón, Maintenance Universidad de Morón, Media Department.
- Universidad de Morón Authorities: Dr. Hector Norberto Porto Lemma – Rector, Eng. Enrique Otero – Vice Rector, Arch. Alejandro Borrachia - Dean UM FADAU, Authorities and guest professors - UM FADAU
- Comprehensive graphic design: Lic. Nicolás Dubini
We invite you to check out ArchDaily's coverage related to COVID-19, read our tips and articles on productivity while working from home, and learn about technical recommendations for healthy design in your future projects. Also, remember to review the latest advice and information on COVID-19 on the World Health Organization (WHO) website.
This article was written by Belén Maiztegui. The translation is powered by AI.
