Downtown Synagogue launches sukkah design competition; will award $15,000 for construction

You wouldn't normally associate design with Sukkot, the Jewish holiday celebrating the harvest. But there's a good reason to this year.

As part of Detroit's Month of Design in September, the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue is holding a competition for innovative sukkah designs. Called Sukkah x Detroit, winning submission will be located at the synagogue in Capitol Park.

Sukkot is a one-week holiday that takes place every fall. People observing the holiday will often build a sukkah, translated to "tabernacle," that's traditionally covered with branches, leaves, or other plants indicative of the harvest. This year, the holiday takes place from Sept. 23 through 30, and throughout the week up to seven sukkahs will be displayed. 

Anyone with a design is eligible to apply. According to the request for proposals, "Entries should challenge the conventional notion of a sukkah while satisfying the biblical requirements for the architectural typology." 

The winners, selected by a jury, will receive $15,000 for materials, design, and construction. In addition to being displayed at the Downtown Synagogue, they'll also be exhibited at Eastern Market After Dark. 

Submit your idea for Sukkah x Detroit here
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Aaron Mondry is a Detroit-based freelance writer. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter @AaronMondry.