Daily coronavirus architecture and design briefing: 15 April

Daily coronavirus briefing: today's architecture and design coronavirus briefing includes a message of hope from Marcel Wanders and news of Australia withdrawing from the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Burning Man 2020 announces digital alternative amid pandemic

Burning Man has cancelled its desert event this year and revealed plans to host an online alternative called Virtual Black Rock City (via Dezeen).

Marcel Wanders creates universal message of hope and solidarity

Dutch designer Marcel Wanders has designed an artwork (above) that combines the Italian flag and phrase Andrà tutto bene, which translates as everything will be alright.

"During these uncertain times, we appreciate being close to one another even more," said Wanders. "We long to be back in our studio, in our client offices and at the exhibits like Salone del Mobile where creativity is celebrated and where we are motivated and inspired year after year. You may be alone but, we are all in this together" (via Marcel Wanders).

Coronavirus pandemic reveals "inequities" in New York housing

Architects at New York firms ODA, PRO and Woods Bagot have said that the coronavirus pandemic has revealed problems with housing in the city that must be addressed following the crisis (via Dezeen).

NHS to launch coronavirus tracking app

The UK government's health secretary Matt Hancock has announced that the NHS will be releasing a contact-tracing app. People would report their symptoms in the app, which would then anonymously alert users who had recently been in contact them (via Guardian).

Australia withdraws from 2020 Venice Architecture Biennale

The Australian Institute of Architects has announced that is will not take part in this year's Venice Architecture Biennale, which has been delayed due to coronavirus.

"We know that COVID-19 is presenting architects with significant financial and economic challenges," said the Australian Institute of Architects in a statement. "Therefore we are going to reallocate our resources to fund initiatives to help support our members as they navigate through this crisis" (via Architecture AU).

Standard Issue creates open-source design for CNC-cut face mask

Brooklyn design agency Standard Issue has created an open-source design for a face mask that can be produced by companies that have access to automated cutting and seaming technologies, such as manufacturers for furniture, fashion and sportswear brands (via Dezeen).

Negroni Talks launches online debate focused on joy in architecture

London-based debate series Negroni Talks has launched its first online talk. Entitled The Joy of Architecture the talk on 21 April will be between Jane Clossick, lecturer in Urban Design at London Metropolitan University, Lee Ivett, founder of Baxendale Studio, Lara Lesmes and Fredrik Hellberg from Space Popular and Francis Terry of Francis Terry and Associates (via EventBrite).

Maarten Baas explains how he is adapting to lockdown

Dutch designer Maarten Baas has explained how he has adapted to coronavirus lockdown in a short video message recorded for Virtual Design Festival (via Dezeen).

Keep up with developments by following Dezeen's coverage of the coronavirus outbreak. For news of impacted events, check Dezeen Events Guide's dedicated coronavirus page.

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