“One can make a difference” is the motto of Canstruction, a national nonprofit organization. Canstruction’s mission is to bring awareness to the issue of hunger, which was brought in full force to San Antonio’s North Star Mall this month.
The annual design competition, with over 200 cities participating worldwide, has netted over 210 million pounds of food for local food banks.
This is the eighth year that San Antonio has participated with 13 local design teams constructing creative structures with clever messages from canned goods. So far, the event has collected 341,000 pounds – about 35,000 pounds this year alone.


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Proceeds from the fundraiser and cans used in the construction of the structures are all donated to the San Antonio Food Bank. The popular event culminated in an awards ceremony last night at the North Star Mall. A local jury gave awards to some of the more creative structures. The public can view all 13 designs at the North Star Mall through Sept. 22 and cast votes for the People’s Choice Award.
Juror’ Favorite: “Dust Hunger!” by O’Connell Robertson with Joeris General Contractors and Datum Engineers
Honorable Mention: “Can Overboard” by Ford, Powell & Carson with Pugh Constructors
Best Use of Labels: “Faces of Change” by San Antonio College Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students
Best Meal: “How Sweet It Is to Go Orange With You” by Pfluger & Associates
Structural Integrity: “Like a Narwhal, Hunger is Real” by Overland Partners
Best use of Orange: “Garfield in the Mood for Food” by Mdn Architects
Robert Hoang is a transplant from Portland, Oregon. He moved to San Antonio with his family to work for Lake|Flato Architect as their Director of Marketing. Robert is passionate about the role the built environment has on the livability of a city. He is inspired by SA2020 and the focus the city has on urban redevelopment. You can contact Robert via rhoang@lakeflato.com or follow the musings of the firm via Twitter @lakeflato.
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