Spacing to launch national issue June 7th

WHAT: Launch of Spacing’s first national issue
WHEN: Tuesday, June 7th, 6pm-11pm
WHERE: Design Exchange — 3rd floor exhibition hall, 234 Bay St.
HOW MUCH: $10 (gets you copy of magazine and access to DX exhibit)
FACEBOOK: You can RSVP to the event listing on Facebook

Spacing is finally going national! And what better place than the Design Exchange — the exhibition hall that showcases the best in Canadian design — to host the launch of the magazine’s first national issue. Come out and celebrate with the editors and contributors. There will be drinks and activities to be had, plus you’ll get a chance to see the amazing photo exhibit by Guy Tillim on the rise and fall of Modernism in post-colonial African cities.

While the look and feel of the magazine is no different than the local Toronto edition, the content focuses on the joys, obstacles, and politics affecting Canada’s large urban centres. Articles touch on topics like street performing in Victoria, Calgary’s plans to build its arts community, how Ottawa’s marathon is becoming more urban, and how the seasonal pedestrian mall on rue Ste.-Catherines has been a boon for local businesses.

While this event is the official launch of the national issue, Spacing will be hosting a series of events in 10 cities across the country — called the Spacing Road Show — in June and July. Those dates will be announced next week. Keep an eye on our blogs, Facebook page and Twitter account to learn more about these parties.

MAIN STORIES

TOP 100 PUBLIC SPACES IN CANADIAN CITIES: We gathered 135 people (architects, designers, urban affairs writers, and Spacing readers)  from across the country to vote on the best public spaces in their cities. The 100 spaces from 15 urban regions across Canada are profiled in a 25-page cover feature.

TICKET TO RIDE: Spacing senior editor John Lorinc examines why Canada has yet to form a national public transit strategy. Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi weighs in on the topic as does former Toronto mayor David Miller.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR: While cynicism towards politicians is common, we uncover four great civic leaders from Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal making a difference in their communities.

CONCRETE CANADIANA: Spacing senior editor Shawn Micallef explores the Canadian identity and why cities seem to play such a small role in defining who we are as a nation.

WHITE ELEPHANT SYNDROME: Can a huge complex help or hinder the development and vibe or an area? Adam Proteau of The Hockey News looks at a handful of Canadian cities — Edmonton, Hamilton, and Quebec City — that are considering whether to pay to build shrines for professional sports teams.

HOW THE WEST IS BEING URBANIZED: Spacing contributing editor Evan Thornton looks to the Prairie cities of Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg to see how a unique brand of urbanism is taking shape on the streets of these wind-swept cities.

There are many other articles and features packed into Spacing’s biggest issue ever! Please come out to the party on June 7th to celebrate this special issue.