In this week’s A+D + coronavirus update, we share news of Australia pulling out of the Venice Biennale, a stack of international design grants and the world’s first virtual design festival.

COVID-19 design innovation grants

The International Design Awards and European Product Design Awards have introduced four special COVID-19 design innovation grants, inviting designers and innovators worldwide to put their talent to work to find new solutions to combat this global crisis. Grants range from $US2000-$US5000 with dedicated product and architecture and interior design categories. Read more >

Dezeen launches virtual design festival

The UK-based publication has launched the world’s first online design festival with a rolling programme of online talks, lectures, movies, product launches and student shows. The festival kicked off on 15 April, is free and is accessible globally. Read more on Dezeen >

Burning Man 2020 goes online

Burning Man has cancelled this year’s event and unveiled an online alternative called Virtual Black Rock City. Read more on The Washington Post >

Watch our Working from Home series

In this week’s collection of WFH videos, we hear from Woods Bagot principal Hazel Porter, Gray Puksand senior associate Maria Correia and more. Watch the videos >

Federal Government launches coronavirus tracking app

The Federal Government has called on half of all Australians to download the phone app TraceTogether when it becomes available. The app will help identify COVID-19 community transmission hotspots. Read more on the ABC >

Australia pulls out of 2020 Venice Biennale

Australia has announced it will no longer participate in the 2020 Venice Biennale in August, despite recently revealing the designs for its exhibition. The decision was made in light of the coronavirus pandemic and concerns over the safety of staff. Read more on ADR >

“We are three recessions away from becoming extinct as a profession” says Evelyn Lee

A look at the importance of focusing on business continuity during this pandemic, what firms can consider after this crisis has passed and how we can collectively tackle the challenges ahead from the treasurer of the American Institute of Architects. Read more on Archinect >

Practice of Architecture compiles resource of best practices and templates in response to COVID-19

The US firm has compiled a constantly updated Google Doc with free COVID-19 relevant templates and communication tools from firms of different sizes all over the US. See the resource on Google Docs >

The Guardian looks at architecture post COVID-19

Staff writer Oliver Wainwright takes a long look at the ways, past and present, that architecture has been shaped by concerns over hygiene, sanitation and disease. Read more on The Guardian >  

Open House launches fundraiser

The world’s largest architecture festival has started a fundraising programme following fears the coronavirus pandemic will cause it to close its doors permanently. Read more on Open House >

Virtually tour Tate Modern’s Andy Warhol exhibition

Prior to the stay-at-home mandate, the museum filmed a walk-through of the new show, plus a discussion by Tate curators Gregor Muir and Fiontán Moran. The video allows would-be museum goers to virtually take a private tour of the exhibition with expert guides. Watch the free tour on Youtube >

Tips for practises experiencing postponed or cancelled projects

ADR reached out this week to architects, designers and industry experts to compile a guide for practices and studios that have had projects cancelled or postponed. Read more on ADR >

Coronavirus pandemic reveals inequities in New York housing

New York firms ODA, PRO and Woods Bagot have called on the city to address housing problems revealed by the coronavirus pandemic. Read more on Dezeen >

Designers shouldn’t waste time “spinning their wheels” says Rob Mills

With the coronavirus outbreak causing cancelled or postponed projects, it can be tempting for designers to go into overdrive seeking new business, but the Melbourne principal says that’s not the best use of your time. Read more on ADR >

Germain Verbrackel creates A4-printer friendly masks

Unlike other mask templates, the French industrial designer’s design doesn’t require a laser cutter or 3D printer. All you need is an A4 printer, paper, tape and some string. Importantly, this version works as a physical barrier like surgical masks, which do not filter the air and are not sealed. Download the free template >

Father of Iraqi “international regionalism,” dies from COVID-19

Aged 93, Rifat Chadirji passed away in London following a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. Read more on MIT >

Precht designs maze-like park for outdoor social distancing

The Austria-based architecture studio has unveiled its design for Parc de la Distance, a maze-like park that would allow people to be outdoors while practicing social distancing. Read more on HypeBeast >

Woods Bagot designs adaptable apartment for WFH

Woods Bagot has designed an apartment with adjustable walls for people spending more time at home during the coronavirus lockdown. Read more on ADR.

Lead photo: Nick Bolton.