by 9 people |
Canstruction - Beating Hunger One Can at a Time!
Across the country, perfectly normal people get caught up in the frenzy of competition and the spirit of design with - cans? Move over other food art. These "canstruction" projects deliver not just amazing creations, but also non-perishable food for local food banks.
I just recently discovered this competition when we were looking for some new ideas for fun things to do at work. I love design, architecture, engineering and think it would be totally fun to try this. Best of luck to you with your own design and competition!
All About Canstruction
What's behind the madness?
Canstruction is a design/build competition showcasing the talents of design and construction industry professionals and students they mentor. At events held around the world, teams are given just 12 hours to defy expectations, logic, and gravity as they build fantastic sculptures from thousands of cans of food.
Dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to bring their creations to life. The following day, the super-sized masterpieces are judged in a variety of categories as these unconventional art exhibits are opened to the public, the cost of admission - just one can of food.
A foundation of the Society for Design Administration (SDA), Canstruction is a design/build competition currently held in cities throughout North America. Teams of architects, engineers, and students mentored by these professionals, compete to design and build giant structures made entirely from full cans of food.The results are displayed to the public as magnificent sculpture exhibits in each city where a competition is held. At the close of the exhibitions all of the canned food used in the structures is donated to local food banks for distribution to emergency feeding programs that include pantries, soup kitchens, elderly and day care centers.
Since its inception, ten million pounds of food has been donated to aid in the fight against hunger. Initiated by the Denver, Seattle and New York Chapters of the SDA in 1992/93, Canstruction now has over one hundred individual competitions scheduled to take place during the 2007-2008 cycle.
Past Canstruction Projects
Jaw-dropping sculptures made of cans and other food
Cangratulations!
Rings of the Olympic...
Can-ukshuk
Directive?
The African plate
Canstruction 2009
![Wall-Y [sic] by Mafue](http://static.flickr.com/3409/3485429438_acb2018f4d_s.jpg)
Wall-Y [sic]
Fossil
Oooooooooooooooh
Marvin the Martian
How to Get Involved in Canstruction
Host a competition, enter a team or just go enjoy the show
Host a Competition
Since Canstruction is a project of the design industry, part of its mission is to get architects, engineers, designers and contractors involved in giving back to the community. So the first requirement for any competition is that these design professionals play a key role. Check out the link for more details on the requirements for hosting a competition.
Get involved with a local competition already in place
The link takes you to the list of participating cities. Click on your city if it's already on the list, and you'll get the contact information for the organizer as well as location and so forth.
Enter a Team
Your team must be led by a design industry professional. (Someone needs to understand how to make those cans stand up straight!) Teams can have as many people as want, but only five people at a time can be building. Click the link for more info and tips on running a team.
Best Canstruction Ever?
Choose your favorite Canstruction entry
Design, Build, Plan
Get inspiration for your build!
Skyscrapers!: Super Structures to Design & Build (Kaleidoscope Kids)
Amazon Price: $11.01 (as of 07/13/2009) 
The Art of Construction: Projects and Principles for Beginning Engineers & Architects (A Ziggurat book)
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/13/2009)
Bridges: Amazing Structures to Design, Build & Test (Kaleidoscope Kids)
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 07/13/2009)
Design-Build (Architecture in Practice)
Amazon Price: $65.00 (as of 07/13/2009)
DESIGNnewyork 2004
Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)
Competing in Canstruction
From those who've taken up the challenge
- Canned Wonders
We find out how the awesome hotdog was built - including great detail that it took more than 6,300 cans!!- Industrial Brand Creative
- The crew at this design firm shares about their winning 2007 entry in Vancouver, along with some tips for choosing a winning design. Check out their past entries in other articles.
- CANstruction Demolishes Hunger
- Engineering and design students at Colorado State University get in on the fun.
- BC Lions
- 35 students from IB Chemistry and Design Technology Drafting classes took their second award for this entry.
- The Van of PEAS(Peace)
- Lacy headed up her team's entry, which was a Volkswagen bus composed of over 5,500 cans of sweet peas, evaporated milk, fish, and ranch style beans, 3,000 packages of ramen noodles, 500 bottles of water, and 600 cups of applesauce.
- Society of Hispanic Engineers
- Watch the Mayan pyramid come to life in this photo essay of this entry.
Talking About Canstruction
Google blog search
Watch Canstruction Happen!
Canned Food Items to Wear/Buy
T-shirts, cards and more from CafePress
Tuna Ringer T
Price: 22.99
I Love (Heart) Peas Jr. Raglan
Price: 24.99
peanut butter loves jelly BBQ Apron
Price: 18.99
I Heart (Love) Canned Goods Button
Price: 5.99
Cantastic Chatter
Speak your mind about Canstruction here!
Have you ever participated in a Canstruction competition? Have a great idea for a can sculpture? Just want to give me props for being "cantastic"?
Wysiwigs wrote...
Yep, I'm going for the "cantastic" here on your lens - those are too cool! Nice job :o)
Http://www.Squidoo.com/ConnieCrankpot
Posted April 06, 2009
kab wrote...
I first bumped into Construction while researching for my soda can lens. I think that those structures are absolutely amazing. What a great and creative way to have a food drive!
Posted April 05, 2008
Psst .. if you buy something from this lens
... you'll automatically be making a donation to Modest Needs, working to stop the cycle of poverty before it starts for low-income workers struggling to afford emergency expenses.Doesn't that feel good?
by SusanVillasLewis
Basic gal from the Dallas area who has a lot to say!! I'm working on lens related to my odd-ball interests, as well as some tying back to my husband'...
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