Sukkah Design Sprint

Sunday, Sep 28, 2025
8AM - 7PM

Harnessing the creativity and passion of students for good.

Essential Information

  • Open to all undergrad students! No experience required!

  • Student participants will work in interdisciplinary teams of five to design a temporary, walled hut called a Sukkah.

  • Participants will enjoy a cultural education based on the upcoming Jewish holiday Sukkot.

  • Participants will learn principles of Design and Design Thinking from campus experts

  • The winning design will constructed on campus for the holiday.

Why Participate?

  • $1000 in prize money

  • Complimentary meals and snacks

  • Opportunities to make new friends

  • Learn valuable skills employers seek

  • Exercise your creativity

  • Winning team enjoys fame and recognition!

Skills and interests valued for this event:

Arts and design, engineering, communication, economics, cultural and religious studies, information technology, history, media and 3D design, management and facilitation

No experience necessary, every major is welcome!

Your mission should you choose to accept it…

Transform this unadorned Sukkah into a visual symbol of a meaningful theme of your team’s own design using Design Thinking. Pitch your design for a chance to win fame, fortune, and glory!

Requirements and Specifications:

  • Materials Budget: $500

  • Interdisciplinary Teams of Five

  • After learning about Sukkahs, Design, and Design Thinking….

  • Step 1: Identify and document a unique theme, rich in storytelling, for your Sukkah

  • Step 2: Identify visual elements essential to your theme plan how to integrate them with the Sukkah

  • Note: You may use the walls and ceiling provided or build your own walls (ceiling optional) on the metal frame provided. *Lights not included. Table and chairs are included - seating for 12.

  • Design your brand around your theme

  • Shop for materials and build a list in a spreadsheet that includes items, quantity, size, price, and store link. Make sure you are under budget!

  • Develop a prototype of your Sukkah using drawings, photos, 3D software, physical models, any visual representation that you think best to show off your deisgn.

  • Craft your five slide, five minute pitch in Google Slides.

A sukkah requires at least three walls, each at least 40 inches (10 tefachim) high and no more than 9 inches from the ground, constructed from a material strong enough to withstand normal wind. The roof, called the s'chach, must be an organic, natural material, such as branches or palm fronds, thick enough to provide more shade than sun but allow for stars to be seen at night. The structure must also be temporary and not obstructed by an existing roof or tree, with a minimum usable interior space of 24x24 inches for eating.

Agenda