For the architecture enthusiast, with the vast wealth of architectural traditions worldwide there never comes a time when one can claim to know it all. Nothing beats a well-rounded education on the topic for beefing-up ones interest and improving ones design-wonk cocktail party chit-chat abilities; "Japanese art and architecture had a profound effect on the way Frank Lloyd Wright approached design, and that's influenced modern architecture ever since. Take Unity Temple…"

Yayoi stilt building, image by Ted Scott

What are we going on about? Back in January we wrote about architectural interest courses available in Toronto particularly from the Continuing Education department at the U of T, and highlighting a 20th Century Architecture lecture series by architect Ted Scott at the Women's Art Association of Canada. While those early winter courses and series are pretty much finished or wrapping up now, others are starting up shortly and worth your time investigating.

Himeji Castle, image by Ted Scott

In the case of lecturer Ted Scott, his focus has shifted from Global 20th Century Architecture to the intricacies of one of the great architectural traditions of the world, that of Japan. The series is open to all and can be considered on a weekly basis if schedules do not allow attendance every week. Anyone attending all nine weeks will end up with a thorough overview of over a millenia of architectural wisdom from Japan, and likely an urge to hop a plane ride across the Pacific forthwith.

UrbanToronto encourages our readers to dig in to the educational offerings available in this city. Let us know if you attend and what you thought! Tell us about other courses we should be helping to bring to people's attention. We are always hungry to know more and to spread the word!