Modular Construction Meets Changing Needs in the Pandemic The process of creating prefabricated units that can be quickly assembled has shifted as developers turn to medical buildings, affordable housing, data centers and even a Chick-fil-A restaurant. A modular coronavirus testing pod at the University of Denver was built in 10 days in a factory in Bakersfield, Calif., and took one day to set up.Credit...Matthew Staver for The New York Times By Aili McConnon Dec. 15, 2020 When the University of Denver reopened for classes this fall, there was a new building on campus next to the student athletics center: a coronavirus testing center created using modular construction.