All Photos By Gail
CANstruction is an annual design and construction competition where teams create sculptures using canned food as their primary building material. The goal is to raise awareness about hunger and collect non-perishable food items to be donated to local food banks, such as City Harvest. The competition involves architectural and engineering firms, design professionals, and students.
CANstruction events take place in various cities around the world, but I always visit the NYC showcase, which is staged inside Brookfield Place, a luxury brand mall located near the southern tip of Manhattan. This year’s exhibit was on view from November 2nd through the 13th. Please enjoy a selection of our favorite designs!
Title: Towering Above Hunger
Created By: LERA Consulting Structures Engineers
Made From: Tuna, Pink Salmon
Number of Cans Used: 3500
Awards: Amy Nanni Whimsical Award
Title: This City Has Gone to the Birds
Created By: DeSimone Consulting Engineers
Made From: Varieties of Tuna and Sardines
Number of Cans Used: 5181
Awards: People’s Choice Award, Best Original Design
Title: CAN DMC (50th Anniversary of Hip Hop)
Created By: WSP USA
Made From: Baked Beans, Peas, Black Beans, Tuna, Chunky Tomato Bisque Soup, Chunky Vegetable Soup, Curried Lentil Soup, Mushroom Bisque Soup
Number of Cans Used: 4041
Awards: Best Meal
Title: CANderella’s Castle
Created By: EP Engineering
Made From: Tuna Fish
Number of Cans Used: 2855
Title: CAN Sen-Ji Temple
Created By: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Made From: Beans, Tuna, Salmon, Sweet Peas, Corn
Number of Cans Used: 3156
Awards: Honorable Mention #1
Title: MOOve Over Earthlings, We Come in Peas
Created By: AKF
Made From: Black Beans, Chickpeas, Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple, Tuna, Salmon, Corn
Number of Cans Used: 2125
Title: Sloths for Sustenance
Created By: Severud Associates
Made From: Tuna, Beans, Chicken, Mixed Vegetables
Number of Cans Used: 2176
Title: Mario CAN Do It!
Created By: Arcadis
Made From: Peach Halves, Corn, Black Beans, Butter Beans, Diced Tomatoes, Pumpkin
Number of Cans Used: 1560
Title: CARbie
Created By: Beyer Blender Belle
Made From: Pink Salmon, Corn, String Beans, Pineapple Tidbits
Number of Cans Used: 5075
Award: Cherie C. Melillo Honorary Award
Title: The Great Wave Off CANagawa
Created By: Thornton Tomasetti
Made From: Tuna Fish, Pasta Noodles
Number of Cans Used: 4973
Title: Mushroom in Manhattan
Created By: Gilsanz Murray Steficek LLP
Made From: Salmon, Tuna
Number of Cans Used: 4041
Title: Winnie the Can
Created By: HOK
Made From: Tuna, Salmon
Number of Cans Used: 2352
That’s All Folks! See You Next Year!