In today Ideas section of the Toronto Star, the first essay from uTOpia has been reprinted. uTOpia is a new book from Coach House being released next Sunday at a big day-long event at the Gladstone Hotel. Quite a few Spacing Magazine editors and contributors have pieces in this collection “featuring passionate, visionary essays by thirty-four different journalists, artists, thinkers, architects and activists, uTOpia is a compendium of ideas, opinions and strategies. The anthology explores plans to redevelop the Island airport into a Ward’s Island-style community; how the Zeidler family is energizing artist-run centres; what a car-free Kensington Market might mean; the necessity and beauty of laneway housing; the way past efforts to combat devastating developments like the Spadina Expressway have shaped current activism; what a utopian Toronto might look like mapped out; and much, much more.” In the piece the Star printed today which they call “The Unfinished City,” author Erik Rutherford describes Toronto as
a young man, just out of university. He’s done a degree in commerce with a minor in the humanities, where he shows surprising talent. He’s always been an A student and done what is expected of him. When you praise him, he doesn’t believe you; when you criticize him, his pride is wounded. He’s still a little inexperienced, poorly dressed, a touch diffident, but full of youthful energy and ambition. And though he doesn’t yet know the best way to achieve glory, he makes you feel he will
uTOpia Launch • Sunday November 20
There’s more where that came from, and we’re all very excited about it, and hope you’ll come out to the Gladstone next Sunday, November 20, 2005. Spacing is sponsoring a panel on Public Space during the afternoon. It’s $5 for the entire day, and you can come and go as you wish. The book will be for sale, but if you can’t make it, you can buy it here.
2:00 to 5:00pm
Panels, activities and more. We’ll talk public, private and political space, hold mayoral auditions, ask you to redesign your favourite building on a napkin and give the CN Tower a makeover. Bring your kids!
8:00pm to midnight
A TOast and some TOmfoolery, featuring music by Republic of Safety, Free School and special guests, and much, much more.
