Last week, on October 29, we gathered once again in the Center for Architecture's hallowed halls to observe a special edition of Pumpkitecture: Pumpkin Places. In conjunction with 15 years of Archtober and this year's theme of Shared Spaces, the pumpkin-carving competition took place under the theme of public space. Nine New York City-based firms came with different interpretations, competing for the ever-coveted Pritzkerpumpkin.

As always, teams were provided with pumpkins and a standard set of carving tools, and were encouraged to bring their own supplies as needed. After an hour and 15 minutes of carving, at the witch's cackle, all teams presented their works and our jury proceeded with deliberations. The evening's highest honor was bestowed upon Once-Future Office for their Squashington Square Station, an ode to the New York City subway, consisting of squash seats and pumpkin seed rats. The audience voted for Jane's Carousel, a living pavilion by MdeAS Architects.

‍Awards

Pritzker Pumpkin: Squashington Square by Once-Future Office

People’s Pumpkin: Jane's Carousel by MdeAS Architects

‍Honorable Mentions went to:

S9 Architecture for conquering the challenge of building a multi-level piece

DLR Group for creating an interactive experience with the audience

MDeAS Architects for its sustainable approach of using one pumpkin and its organic materials

Shakespeare Gordon Studio for creating a personal and reimagined version of Prospect Park

Other highlights included Architecture Research Office's Brooklyn Block Party, SITU's nine-pumpkin structure of unity (with no hardware, only joinery), SCAPE Studio's urban squash landscape, and Bravo Inc's stitch-connected construction.

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Thank you to our Dreaded Jury:

Alvaro Alcocer, Co-founder, Head Hi

‍Yuri Birchwood-Fuentes, AIA, Architect, NYC Department of Design and Construction

‍Alex Costas, Head of Recruitment, Onboarding & Relationship Management, Bloomberg

‍Xiaoxiao Guo, Exhibition Designer

‍Marissa Martonyi, Design Director, Museum of the City of New York

Congratulations to the winners! Much thanks to all of the participating firms, as well as the 100+ audience members who cheered on the competition. We look forward to seeing you next year for more haunting festivities.