Architects Build to Battle Hunger

The Society for Marketing Professional Services Arizona chapter, under the auspices of the Society for Design Administration (SDA), will host its 4th annual Canstruction competition Feb. 19–20 at Fiesta Mall (Alma School Road and US 60) in Mesa, Ariz. to help end hunger for adults and children. Canstruction combines the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a unique way to help feed the hungry. Competing teams, led by architects, engineers and contactors, showcase their talents by designing and building giant structures (10-foot x 10-foot x 8-foot) made entirely out of canned foods to benefit St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. Teams, which will include high school and college-aged students working alongside professionals this year, have 12 hours to build their structures, which will be on display for the public to see at Fiesta Mall Feb. 20–27. The public may also cast a vote for the AIA Phoenix Metro People’s Choice Award and donate canned food at the simultaneous food drive. Other awards will be given for Best Use of Labels, Best Meal, Structural Ingenuity and Jurors’ Favorite by a panel of judges. Winners from local competitions around the nation will compete in the national Canstruction competition through a slide photography submission. At the close of the exhibition, all of the canned food used to create the structures will be donated to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. For more information, visit www.phoenixcanstruction.org.