Noah Ives, PORTLAND, OR

Artist Statement

The Sukkah has become much more than a shelter. It is a reminder of our history; a cultural icon; the centerpiece of a seasonal ritual. In Detroit’s celebration of Sukkahs, I would argue it is even an art object. Sukkah x Detroit may be about the harvest and about Sukkot, but it is also about collective creativity in a city that is continually reinventing itself. The Seedling Sukkah acknowledges these diverse considerations. It is inspired by the simple elegance of natural patterns and designed with the precision and craft of modern technology. It is an intimate gathering space as well as an eye-catching place marker – both an icon and a little bit of shade.

Bio

Noah Ives holds master’s degrees in architecture from Cornell University and in health science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He has served on the faculty of the University of Nebraska, and currently resides in Portland, Oregon, working at SERA Architects. His private practice—the Building Wellness Lab—combines design research and technological innovation to promote health and well-being in the built environment. Noah is thrilled about the success of the Sukkah x Detroit initiative and is honored to participate in this celebration of design, community, and seasonal tradition.