Every year in March, Canstruction competitions are held across the country by the Society for Design Administration as an effort to donate canned foods to food banks in a constructive manner. This charity project brings together teams consisting of engineers, contractors, architectures, and builders alike to design and build elaborate structures made almost entirely out of canned goods. The goods used are later donated to respective charities after “decanstruction” and judging.
Since the first Canstruction in New York City back in 1992, there are now over 140 cities involved, including a few in Canada that have competed each year, donating about 2 million pounds of canned food to the cause.
This year, we are rooting for “CAN-DO,” made up of PHX Architecture, Lawrence Lake Interiors, Source + Design Magazine, and Loewen Design Group. The team is already brainstorming their concept and compiling a list of canned goods they are hoping associates, friends, and clients can generously donate. The concept will be a ‘Can-u-copia’ and the team is requesting canned-good donations, or money contributions for purchasing other canned foods. Their goal is $3000 or 3,000 cans! All canned food will be donated locally to St. Mary’s Food Bank.
Ready, set, go! On March 5, “CAN-DO,” along with the other participating teams, will put their creativity to the test. Teams must adhere to several rules and regulations including size limitations (10’Lx10’Wx8’H). Velcro, rubber bands and foamcore are the only materials besides canned-goods permitted and strictly for the structure’s support; however, no theme rules apply giving teams the opportunity to let their creativity mind’s run freely.
Canstruction is a public event, and the exhibition for the structures begins that same morning at CityScape, 1 East Washington St, until March 12. The public will be able to view these works of art through the lobby’s front glass windows at all times or up close and personal during CityScape’s business hours.
Judging takes place on March 8 at 4 pm where the teams’ structures can win in multiple categories, such as Best Meal, Judge’s Favorite, or Best Use of Labels. Local winners then advance to the national level where they’ll be judged based on photos at the May SDA/AIA National Convention.
“CAN-DO,” we can’t wait to see what you come up with! Look for a Daily 60 update soon. PHX Architecture is accepting canned food donations until March 3, 2011.
PHX Architecture™, 7507 E. McDonald Dr., Suite B, Scottsdale
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