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In 2010, Reboot launched an architectural design competition and work of installation-art titled Sukkah City. Over 600 entries were received, and a panel of architects and art critics selected a dozen winners. The 12 pieces were constructed in Union Square Park for a three day celebration. The jury chose twelve projects, each representing a symbolic reason the sukkah exists, including fragility, humility, and a connection to nature. The Jewish holiday of Sukkot calls for the building of a dwelling described in the Torah, which is utilized in the week long celebration. Commemorating the Exodus from Ancient Egypt, these temporary structures conjure the 40 years the Children of Israel spent wandering in the desert. In the words of Sukkah City co-founder Joshua Foer, "The sukkah is a space to ceremonially practice homelessness.... In that sense it is an architecture of both memory and empathy.” Sukkah City boldly re-imagined the ancient holiday of Sukkot through contemporary design.

The idea to radically transform the sukkah while following religious proscriptions was the idea of Rebooter Joshua Foer, a writer and journalist, and Roger Bennett, a Reboot co-founder. "Sukkah City sounded like the perfect application of the competition tradition,” observed director Jason Hutt. “To breathe new life into an ancient archetype that, over time, has become a generic pop-up box. The design brief was the original biblical rules for the sukkah, and having architects and designers re-imagine it with 21st century tools and creativity."

www.sukkahcity.com