Back by popular demand! Discover (or re-discover) some of the most popular Curious Minds courses from the past year.

Based on his popular book The Kitchen, which explored the world’s most perfectly designed domestic spaces, this series from architectural adviser and critic John Ota will use the houses of some of history’s most celebrated figures to explore the meaning of home. As we journey from George O’Keefe’s desert ranch to the aromatic kitchens of Julia Child and Louis Armstrong to the mid-century modernist rooms designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, we’ll examine the role that architecture, food and household objects played in their daily lives—and how these domestic spaces reflected their wider societies. Perfect for fans of our past Curious Minds courses on architecture, food and pop culture, this dynamic new series will offer a unique perspective on some of history’s most fascinating people, places and homes.

Led by John Ota, an architecture writer and consultant who has worked in Toronto, New York and Vancouver, and has degrees from the School of Architecture at Columbia University and the University of British Columbia. A frequent contributor to the Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and Canadian Architect, he has chaired the awards committee of the Ontario Association of Architects and served on the Toronto Historical Board. 

The six lectures in this series are now available to stream. 

Course registration: $49 (Hot Docs Members: $33, $27, Free)

Curious Minds Speaker Series sponsored by