Laboratory for Integrative Design, Danielle Kim, Calgary, Alberta, CAnada

Artist Statement

The physical form of Interwoven takes inspiration from the traditional waving ceremony of the Four Species. The holder for the lulav, hadass and aravah is often woven from palm fronds. The concept of the structure also plays on themes of community and traditional ways of making as a means of gathering people together in a common act. Utilizing a combination of digital design techniques and handcraft; Interwoven is emblematic of the intersection of emergent design and a traditional holiday.

Using weaving techniques as a form finding tool and textural effect, the sukkah hopes to bring together those from different communities by allowing the public to engage with the very making of the shelter on site. The paneled frame of the sukkah essentially functions as a simple loom, and passersby are able to approach and weave their own section of the sukkah with the help of friends and family. Materials will be provided on the site for this communal act, and instructions will be loosely defined so that the public is given some artistic freedom. The result is an object that is rustic in its making and material in order to recall the biblical origins of the holiday, yet highly textural and compelling enough to catch the eye of the bystander. The collaborative creation of an unusual and intriguing shelter will spark educational conversations around the holiday of Sukkot between participants, thus interweaving together new communities at Sukkah x Detroit.