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Canstruction

2014 Award Winners

Local:  www.minneapolis.canstruction.org

National:  www.canstruction.org

Best Use of Labels


"Everything is Awesome when you Work as a Team" by Dunwoody Technical College and Mortenson Construction. 

 

Based on the Lego Movie with its catchy tune “Everything is Awesome,” our sculpture embodies the theme of movie where, in order to accomplish something great, we must work together. As our team is partnered between two groups, we feel this idea is very important, that the fight against hunger in our community is a team effort. You see Emmett the construction worker and Lucy the creative master builder working together to build a structure in the center. We are displaying the Mall of America logo and the Hunger Awareness logo on the sides. The back of the structure features the word “Team” as well as some niches with, of course, Lego vignettes inside. Be sure to view our structure from the top where the stripes on the floor and the word “Awesome!” at the top brings this fun sculpture together.

 

Local Jurors’ Comments: This structure of almost 6,000 cans, which by the way is noted on their boards, displays the Mall of America logo, hard-working Lego people and a rock solid

structure. No doubt everything will be awesome on the food shelf thanks to Dunwoody Technical College and Mortenson Construction.

Best Meal


"The State of Giving" by VAA, LLC

 

The Land of 10,000 Lakes reflects as many identities as its nickname. The state showcases untouched forests, a metropolitan area home to Fortune 500 companies, and prairies thriving with agriculture. Minnesota ranks fourth among the grain and oilseed producing states.  Annually, 13 million tons of corn, five million tons of soybeans and three million tons of wheat are transported by rail throughout the state, around the country, and ultimately worldwide. With your support, Minnesota can continue to be a true “State of Giving” by helping individuals in need.

 

Local Jurors’ Comments: The Minnesota concept with a tunnel and train are going full steam ahead to provide a variety of food.  Food shelves today are starting to provide a choice model system, allowing participants an option to choose what they would like versus being given a particular food. This display offers a diverse collection that supports this model.

Structural Ingenuity


"Ice Cream You Sscream, We All Scream About Hunger" - Upside down cone by DLR Group

 

You have been waiting for this moment all day. It’s finally here, in your little hands. As cool drips melt down over your hand, you turn excitedly to show Mom…ICE CREAM! Not just ice cream, ice cream with sprinkles AND a cherry on top. You start to run to your table to devour this rare treat and…SPLATT. All of a sudden you look down at your empty hands and it’s gone. Your ice cream has succumbed to the gravitational pulls of the earth. Most of us had this experience as a kid. If your parents were kind, they would buy you another to replace it. Many parents do not get this option. They saved up for this moment, to bring a little joy for their kids and cannot afford to purchase another. They work several jobs and still struggle to put food on the table. Today’s structure of a turned upside down ice cream cone, with sprinkles and a cherry is a much more savory version of the frozen treat. Comprised of 2,550 total cans of food, it will fill little stomachs with much needed nutrients.

 

Local Jurors’ Comments: Today DLR Group put together a fantastic structure. The cantilevered cone caught the attention of the juror’s and they also mentioned the clever use of bright cans for the sprinkles through-out the melted upside down cone. This was a wellexecuted product!

Honorable Mention


"The Light That Guides" by Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc. with LKPB 

 

This structure is a beacon of hope for families in need this holiday season.  Let it remind them that people are out there who care and will help them in their times of need.  Let it be the light that guides them to better times by providing the stopgap that is need to get them on their feet again.  This structure is constructed of 3,900 cans and weighs 3,525 lbs.  It is comprised of over 13 different varieties of cans which help provide color variation and depth.  An emphasis was placed on label color to best resemble Split Rock Lighthouse located on Lake Superior's North Shore.  We chose to focus our attention on sculpting the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse with cans and took some liberties with the rock cliff it sits upon.  We felt this structure was one that was meant to be experienced from all sides and wanted the rock formation to reflect that.

 

Local Jurors' Comments:  In northern Minnesota, the split rock lighthouse is one iconic place to visit, and today can be found at the Mall of America.  The Honorable Mention Award is going to this well-executed structure and team, as it is a solid stately structure of food.  Food is hope, love and has meaning - it is more than keeping you alive!  It is used at gatherings for family, friends and functions.

 

Jurors' Favorite - Best in Show


"Fight Against Hunger" by Perkins + Will, PCL Construction Servies and Michaud Cooley Erickson 

 

One in eight people on our planet will go to bed hungry tonight.  the fight against hunger is a call to action, a call to take up your forks, our spoons, and contribute to this worthy cause.  Food is a basic human right.  We must all strive to ensure its availability to all.  Working to fill that empty void is the responsibility of each and every one of us. 

 

Local Jurors' Comments:  This award wowed the judges.  The team did a great job with labels, the Billboard can be read on front and back, and the words are well defined.  The judges loved this striking display while making such a strong statement to take a fight against hunger.  The structure represents a team concept which is needed to fight hunger.

 

People's Choice


"The State of Giving" by VAA, LLC

 

The Land of 10,000 Lakes reflects as many identities as its nickname. The state showcases untouched forests, a metropolitan area home to Fortune 500 companies, and prairies thriving with agriculture. Minnesota ranks fourth among the grain and oilseed producing states.  Annually, 13 million tons of corn, five million tons of soybeans and three million tons of wheat are transported by rail throughout the state, around the country, and ultimately worldwide. With your support, Minnesota can continue to be a true “State of Giving” by helping individuals in need.

 

Local Jurors’ Comments: The Minnesota concept with a tunnel and train are going full steam ahead to provide a variety of food.  Food shelves today are starting to provide a choice model system, allowing participants an option to choose what they would like versus being given a particular food. This display offers a diverse collection that supports this model.

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