Design studio Space Popular has created a gallery in virtual reality for the Architectural Association, plus today's other design and architecture-related coronavirus news.

Called AA Earth Gallery, the project was made to mark 50 years of Earth Day, an annual event held in support of environmental protection. All the works on display respond to the theme of Earth and human relationships.

Normal galleries and exhibitions are closed due to the pandemic, so the Architectural Association (AA) commissioned a virtual gallery from Space Popular.

"At a time when the planet is united in the experience of combatting the Covid-19 pandemic, we are physically separated while digitally connected," said the AA. "How does this impact the way we visualise Earth as a whole?"

Students at the architecture school, staff, alumni, and prospective students were invited to submit their proposals for Earth-themed drawings and models.

The final selection of 60 pieces are displayed in a virtual reality chatroom that Space Popular made on Hubs by Mozilla. Visitors can log in and select an avatar to use to explore the gallery, using a VR headset or on a normal computer screen. Up to 24 avatars can enter the chatroom at once.

Navigating around the gallery, virtual visitors can look at the artworks displayed in a circular room arranged over multiple levels like an amphitheatre,

Artworks on display include Earth Drawing by Tatiana Bilbao, David Kohn's Crochet triptych, Dezeen columnist Sam Jacob's A house that is the whole world, and Earth = One Organism by Steven Holl. To visit the gallery click here, and browse the online catalogue here.

Here are nine more coronavirus-related architecture and design news stories from today:

Coronavirus daily briefing

Sidewalk Labs abandons Toronto smart city during pandemic

Alphabet subsidiary Sidewalk Labs has abandoned its ambition to create a smart neighbourhood in Toronto amid "unprecedented economic uncertainty" caused by the coronavirus pandemic (via Dezeen).

Milan Fashion Week announces new digital format

In July Italian designers will present womenswear and menswear collections in an online event. "It's something we thought of specially for the digital world," said president of the Camera della Moda Carlo Capasa (via Vogue).

AIA outlines how people can safely return to offices post pandemic

The American Institute of Architects has released a tool kit that provides strategies for limiting exposure to coronavirus in buildings as restrictions begin to ease (via Dezeen).

The Russian Federation is moving its 2020 Venice Biennale project online

Russia's submission to the Venice Architecture Biennale, which has been pushed back from May to August, will now be online-only. KASA Architects renovation of the country's pavilion in the Giardini will go ahead as planned (via the Russian Federation).

Milan calls on architects and designers to create social-distancing devices

Architects and designers are being asked to devise social-distancing devices to allow Milan's bars, shops and public spaces to reopen safely following the height of the coronavirus pandemic (via Dezeen).

Groninger Museum to open to the public again on 1 June

The art museum in Groningen, the Netherlands, has announced it will reopen soon. "We are very happy to be allowed to open the Groninger Museum and to be able to welcome visitors again," said museum director Andreas Blühm (via Groninger Museum).

Architecture, design and engineering activities for children in lockdown

Architects, designers and cultural institutions, including Foster + Partners, Dyson and the V&A, have created educational activities for children to ward off the boredom of coronavirus lockdown (via Dezeen).

UK to invest in cycle lanes and electric scooters

The UK government is expected to announce £250 million of funding for greener transport options to keep air pollution levels from rising again after the lockdown (via The Guardian).

Yinka Ilori has been making models and learning to play the Nigerian talking drum during lockdown

Designer Yinka Ilori shares what he's been doing to keep busy during the coronavirus lockdown in this video message recorded for Virtual Design Festival (via Dezeen).

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