Portable architecture in times of pandemic using the example of a modern lazaretto in the Żerań Port in Warsaw

Climate, geopolitical, demographic, and health instability, observed in recent years, is becoming an inevitable part of daily life in the near future. A key consequence is the sudden and unpredictable rise in hospitalizations. The recent pandemic exposed a global issue—the lack of adequate infrastructure to meet such crises. Projections show that by 2050, up to 2 billion people will need medical assistance. How can architecture become part of the support system, an active tool in mitigating disaster effects?

The diploma project – LAZARET 2.0, emerged from the need to create an architectural solution to address the pressing issue of inadequate infrastructure for combating infectious diseases and responding to disasters. A study of the historical evolution of field hospitals and quarantine facilities helped establish key guidelines for designing temporary medical centers and selecting optimal locations in times of crisis. Several sites in Warsaw were considered, with the Żerański Port area chosen for further development. To move away from the short-term, costly practice of repurposing existing buildings for emergency use, the project focuses on reusable mobile units. Integrated into a national or global distribution network, they offer a sustainable and scalable solution. The proposed system consists of prefabricated, autonomous modules that can be easily scaled and reconfigured to meet local needs and evolving situations. While designed for efficient transport using standard container dimensions—minimizing both time and costs—the structures expand spatially upon deployment. The final architectural concept combines rigid monocoque shells with flexible, expandable PTFE structures. This approach streamlines setup, ensures a lightweight build, and increases interior capacity while maintaining a connection with the surrounding environment. Moving away from stark, minimalist forms, the design embraces elements that engage and comfort patients, fostering a more human-centered space aligned with biophilic principles and salutogenesis—offering a thoughtful response to the uncertainties of the future.