This September, North Star Mall will host the 14th Annual Canstruction® design/build competition, one of the San Antonio Food Bank’s Hunger Action Month events to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief.  From Monday, September 9, through Sunday, September 21, massive structures built using cans of food by the city’s most noted architecture, engineering and contracting firms will be on public display at North Star Mall, 7400 San Pedro. (North Star Mall, 2019)

Two competitors in last year’s local contest took home awards from the International Citywide Competition. Out of more than 1,000 entries submitted worldwide, Alamo Architects and Turner Construction won first place for “Best Original Design” for “The Ban of Hunger,” which featured a bigger than life matador standing behind his cape which appeared to be in motion. Luna Middleman Architects took home fourth place for “Structural Ingenuity” with their creation, “El Luchador Mask.” Just as its title suggests, the structure was a massive mask reminiscent of those worn by the famed Mexican wrestlers.

San Antonio’s 14th annual Canstruction® competition is part of an international drive to expand public awareness of the hunger crisis worldwide. Canstruction® combines the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a unique way to help feed the hungry.  It also showcases the talents of local design and construction industry professionals and the students they mentor.

Seven teams representing the San Antonio chapters of The American Institute of Architects and the Society for Design Administration are given 12 hours on Sunday, September 8 to defy expectations, logic and gravity as they assemble amazing sculptures using approximately 30,000 cans of food.  The sculptures remain on display throughout North Star Mall’s common areas during mall hours through Saturday, September 21.

The following day the supersized masterpieces will be judged at the Canopener awards ceremony attended by industry professionals and special guests.  Teams will vie for award categories in Structural Ingenuity; Best Use of Labels; Best Meal; Juror’s Favorite; Best Use of the Color Orange; and two Honorable Mentions. Cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award to be announced on September 22, voting details on site at North Star.

The competing teams include: RVK Architects with Lundy & Franke Engineering and F.A. Nunnelly General Contractors; Alamo Architects with Turner Construction; RS&H Architecture, Engineering & Consulting; Rogers O’Brien Construction; and The Art Institute of San Antonio. Two teams of architecture students from the AIAS Chapters of San Antonio College and UTSA are being sponsored by Broadway Bank.

The public is encouraged to donate canned food at a simultaneous food drive within the mall at participating retailers. All canned goods used to create the unconventional art exhibits at North Star Mall will be donated to the San Antonio Food Bank at the close of the competition.  Over the last decade, Canstruction® has donated more than 472,095 pounds of food.  As the major supplier of food for the hungry in Southwest Texas, the San Antonio Food Bank helps provide food for about 58,000 individuals each week through a network of more than 530 partner agencies within a 16-county service area. Every donation, every SA Goes Orange for Hunger campaign button worn and every means of public outreach helps to fight hunger and feed hope.