General:
Sukkahs are temporary shelters, used by the ancient Israelites while wandering in the desert. Sukkah Arbor is a ‘Design-Build’ competition that will re-envision the Sukkah, based upon the traditional construction laws detailed in the Bible, using 21st century techniques and materials.

Sukkot – “The Feast of Ingathering” – is an especially joyful Jewish holiday. Religiously, the sukkah is meant to commemorate the fragile huts lived in by the Israelites after being freed from Egypt and a symbol of G-d’s protection wherever you may dwell. The sukkah also stands as a symbol for the impermanence and transience of life and shelter.

Event Goals:
Bring 21st century ‘design-build’ techniques and materials to a traditional observance.
Unite the wider community in a participatory, educational and artistic project.
Raise awareness of and educate about modern causes that connect to the holiday of Sukkot; homelessness, hunger and the environment.

Design-Build Competition:

Sukkah Arbor will be a regional ‘Design-Build’ competition, open to anyone, and expressly reaching out to architects, architectural students, builders and ecologists.

Sukkah Arbor will have three phases:
All submitted designs must be built in accordance with Halacha (Jewish Law). Designs will be judged by a select Jury of experts and based on criteria including: (sustainability, portability/reusability, beauty/inspiration/awe and innovation). Five winning designs will be selected to be built for Part 2 of the competition.
The top five winning designs will be commissioned for construction at Liberty Plaza in Ann Arbor on September 23, 2012. The Sukkah’s will be constructed by a collaborative team consisting of the original designer and a supporting group of experienced volunteer crafts-people. A building stipend ($1,000 minimum) for the purchase of construction materials will be provided. Public voting will be conducted to determine winning entries from among the built Sukkahs. Prize money and recognition will be awarded to the winning designs.
The built and unbuilt designs will be on display at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor during the week of September 30 - October 9, 2012. An open house and design award presentation will be held for the general public during which the grand prize winner will be announced.