SG Blocks and Grimshaw to build Covid-19 testing centres for LAX

Container-based structures designer SG Blocks and architecture firm Grimshaw have unveiled plans to bring rapid coronavirus testing centres to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the US.

SG Blocks and Grimshaw aim to deliver modular testing centres, which offer Covid-19 test results in only two hours, on or before 1 November 2020.

The D-Tec 2 model testing pods will house a CLIA-certified laboratory and deploy the GeneFinder test, which is manufactured by South Korean firm OSANG Healthcare.

SG Blocks created the D-Tec suite of testing pods in partnership with Grimshaw. The pods upcycle disused shipping containers to create a safe environment for testing collection and on-site deployable laboratory analysis.

Clarity Mobile Venture, a joint venture with SG Blocks and Clarity Labs, will operate the laboratory.

SG Blocks chairman and CEO Paul Galvin said: “We are proud to work with LAX to help bring passengers and staff a greater sense of security and safety when it comes to air travel.

“Accessible and rapid testing are essential in our world today and through our turnkey D-Tec Testing Pods, we are pleased to be able to offer both.”

Earlier this month, LAX accelerated the implementation of touchless technologies to enable passengers to travel safely during the pandemic.

Owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, an agency of the government of Los Angeles, LAX covers 1,400ha of land and has four parallel runways.

LAX handled 88,068,013 passengers in 2019, becoming the second busiest airport in the US.