AIA New Orleans Hosts Ninth Annual Canstruction Competition
1 Nov, 2007Event challenges architects and engineers to build giant sculptures from canned food, all of which are donated to the hungry throughout Southern Louisiana; sculptures on display at The Shops at Canal Place through November 3.
The American Institute of Architects New Orleans chapter (AIA New Orleans) and Second Harvest Food Bank have hosted their ninth annual Canstruction fundraiser, which challenges architects and engineers to build giant sculptures made of canned food. The completed sculptures are available for public viewing at The Shops at Canal Place through November 3.
On October 26, each team was given 12 hours to erect the can creations. Teams designed unique displays that incorporated cans and other nonperishables, with some teams incorporating boxed water, bags of beans, and Kool-Aid packets.
On October 27, AIA New Orleans hosted its annual Canstruction Gala. Local celebrities who judged this year's sculptures included Diane Mack, WWNO's host for National Public Radio's Morning Edition; Helena Moreno, WDSU NewsChannel 6 reporter; and Gil McGregor, color commentator for the New Orleans Hornets. The judges selected winners in various categories and named "franCANstein" by Blitch Knevel Architects the Jurors' Favorite.
Other award winners included Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects for Best Structural Ingenuity; Broadmoor Design Group for Best Meal; and Wisznia Associates for Best Use of Labels. Honorable Mention awards went to Verges Rome Architects and Eskew + Dumez + Ripple.
All of the food used to create the sculptures will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. The Canstruction annual community service project reportedly has provided more than 192.5 tons (approximately 298,000 meals) to the hungry throughout Southern Louisiana over the past nine years.
