For those unfamiliar with the structures, they are made of various materials, from wood, veneer paneling, canvas, or plastic. The roofs are covered with vegetation, bamboo poles, corn stalks, reeds, or other branches. The purpose is for the sky to be visible. Typically during this time of year I see sukkahs similar to the ones shown above - generally not heavily influenced by design but more so on function and practicality.
Louis Kahn, one of America's most revered architects proposed a design for Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia. Although it was built in the end by another architect, Kahn developed his spiritual approach toward designing architecture during his work for this project. The above sketch gives a glimpse of his idea for a classically inspired sukkah.
In 2010 New York City hosted the design competition Sukkah City which challenged designers to create a modern sukkah within the basic rules of how the structure should be built. The results were a variety of modern designs that successfully incorporated nature and the senses.
While these designs won't necessarily become a common aesthetic for many Jewish families in Brooklyn, they do present a conversation on what makes a spiritual space.
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