‘Canstruction’ returns: NYC’s large-scale can sculpture contest kicks off in FiDi
All photos courtesy of Heidi Lee
“Canstruction,” the beloved annual competition challenging teams of architects, engineers, and contractors to create intricate sculptures from cans, is returning for another year. As part of the contest, participants create large-scale structures using unopened food cans, all of which are donated to City Harvest, New York City’s largest food rescue organization, and distributed to food pantries afterward. Hosted at Brookfield Place, the event is free and open to the public, running from October 31 through November 11.
This year’s contest will feature 23 teams competing to create the best sculpture. A panel of distinguished judges will choose winners in the following categories: Best Original Design, Best Use of Labels, Structural Ingenuity, Best Meal, Most Cans, and two honorable mentions.
Free guided tours of Canstruction will be hosted on the following dates:
- Saturday, November 2 from 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, November 6 from 12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
- Thursday, November 7 from 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 9 from 3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Space is limited and registration is required. You can RSVP for a tour here.
Guests can also watch a live build of one of the Canstruction sculptures by the DeSimone Consulting Engineering team in the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place on October 31 at 10 a.m. The build typically takes six to eight hours to complete.
“Canstruction is among the most beloved and anticipated public programs at Brookfield Place, and we couldn’t be more excited to share the experience with our community,” Courtney Whitelocke, vice president of Brookfield Properties Arts & Events, said.
“Every year, we are amazed by the creativity and talent of the teams building the canned food sculptures and are tremendously proud of our decades-long partnership with Canstruction and City Harvest.”
Jurors include Gia Mainiero, principal at Dattner Architects; Alastair C. Elliott, PE, principal at TYLin | Silman Structural Solutions; Jennifer Krichels, editor of Oculus Magazine; and award-winning chefs Claudia Flemming and Priyanka Naik.
Attendees are encouraged to drop off canned food in the Winter Garden throughout the competition from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with all cans donated to City Harvest.
Visitors can also vote for their favorite sculpture starting November 1, with votes cast here.
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