Scalable hexagonal modular units for green and adaptive infrastructure

Introduction University campuses in Central Europe, like elsewhere, are under increasing pressure to adopt flexible, climate-responsive, and ecological infrastructure that improves both environmental performance and student experience. In this study, we introduce a hexagonal modular unit (HEXA unit) designed to revitalize underused campus spaces through green infrastructure. Methods We combined a survey of 190 campus users, statistical tests for reliability and associations, and a Life Cycle Assessment. Results The survey revealed that students strongly prefer natural materials like wood and vegetation and favor multifunctional module configurations that enhance social interaction and collaborative learning. Reliability (Cronbach's Alpha) supported consistency in our attitudinal measures; Chi-square tests revealed significant differences in material preferences. Our LCA shows that HEXA units built with natural materials can reduce carbon footprint by up to ~30% compared to traditional synthetic designs. Discussion Beyond environmental gains, the findings suggest that modular design choices can also enhance student engagement and support more resilient campus ecosystems. Overall, HEXA represents a scalable model for green infrastructure that can be adapted by universities and potentially extended to other urban contexts in support of sustainability goals.