October 14, 2020
by Center for Architecture
Ennead's Hellscape Pumpkin, Pumpkitecture 2018. Photo: Erik Bardin.
Ennead's Hellscape Pumpkin, Pumpkitecture 2018. Photo: Erik Bardin.

As Halloween slouches towards us, it is time for Archtober to once again invoke the specters of starchitects past for Pumpkitecture 2020: A Virtual Vanquishing! This year, a nightmare freshly brewed, brings with it a new spin for our time-honored, gourd-carving tradition.  

With restrictions on social gatherings still in place, Pumpkitecture is going virtual—and all the world’s festering souls are invited to participate! Not an architect but long to show off your eerie eye for design? Your chance awaits you! Does the PritzkerPumpkin call to you? Mere mortal, the prize is now within reach of your grimy, grubby hands! 

Pumpkitecture 2020 is loosed upon the world today, October 14—participants have until  Thursday, October 29 to complete their demonic designs. 

Lost souls may follow one of two divergent paths: submit your cursed curibita as an architecture firm, or as a mere inhabitant (or team of inhabitants) of this wretched earth. Our dreaded jury will award your vegetal visions accordingly. 

Follow our Rules of Engagement and submit evidence of your ungourdly progeny via this form

Rules of Engagement: 

  • Participants may submit projects as architecture firms or individuals. If you are not an architecture firm but are designing and carving your pumpkin as part of a larger team, please submit a team name. There is no limit for team size (but please be sure to follow social gathering restrictions in your area).  
  • At least one real, flesh-and-seed pumpkin must be used in the making of your architectural abomination.  
  • Have grand plans? Multiple gourds may be used to construct your sinister designs.  
  • Submit up to 5 jpg photos, along with an optional video (10 mb max per file). Consider: What will the dreaded jury want to see? Different angles? Process shots? Pumpkins in action? If you share your designs on social, make sure to tag @archtober!
  • Don’t forget to name your piteous pumpkin 
  • Archtober and its acolytes are not responsible for any injuries, possessions, or curses sustained during curibita carving. BE SAFE and protect your mortal flesh! 

SUBMIT YOUR DESIGN

Winners will be announced on All Hallow’s Eve, Saturday, October 31 via Archtober’s Instagram. 

If you’re NYC-based, consider picking up your pumpkins at Oak Grove Plantation! Archtober’s pumpkin purveyor since Pumpkitecture’s inception four years ago, Oak Grove has large, plump pumpkins perfect for getting that sharp carving angle. You can find them at the Union Square Greenmarket on 17th Street, Union Square Park North with the green and white tents on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (weather permitting).