McGill Smith Punshon, Inc. (MSP) continued its proud tradition of being a part of the Cincinnati Canstruction® competition with its 2009 entry "Tightening Down Hunger." One of the most inventive and complex visual displays MSP has ever attempted, "Tightening Down Hunger" features a giant screwdriver (over 12' tall) standing on its tip, tightening a screw on a base that spells out the word "Hunger". The entry won the local award for "Structural Ingenuity" in April.
In August, the National Canstruction® jury met in Atlanta, Georgia to review entries from over 100 cities across North America. MSP's "Tightening Down Hunger" entry was honored with the national "Structural Ingenuity" Award.
"That's almost impossible to do - incredible! To hold the entire structure on the tip of the screwdriver is a design feat," praised a jury member and structural engineer. "('Tightening Down Hunger') is a clean, striking structure with a clear message. Dramatically clever."
Purpose: Canstruction® is a not-for-profit foundation of the Society for Design Administration whose mission is to "Canstruct a World Without Hunger." Working in tandem with the American Institute of Architects and other members of the design and construction industry, Canstruction® is making a significant contribution to the fight against HUNGER. Canstruction® combines the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a unique way to help feed hungry people. Nearly 80 cities across the United States and Canada participated in last year's competition resulting in a donation of nearly 3 million pounds of food for hungry people in need, with winning displays from each city competing for national honors. In 2004 and 2005, Cincinnati displays were national runners-up. In 2006 a Cincinnati display won the "Structural Ingenuity" award. In 2007, a Cincinnati display won the "Most Cans" award.
Canstruction® has been popularized by appearances on in-flight airline video magazines, network news, CNN, cable television, newspapers, magazines and webcasts. International news outlets from Japan, Russia, Korea, Spain and Brazil have covered the competition. Our structures appear in math textbooks used by school children across America. All of this coverage serves to keep the issue of hunger and what we can do about it in the forefront of people's minds.
The Weston Art Gallery hosted the 11th annual Cincinnati Canstruction food sculpture exhibit, benefit the FreestoreFoodbank. During the exhibit, ten of Cincinnati's best and brightest design, architecture, construction and engineering teams showcased massive sculptures - each measuring 8 feet wide, 8 feet long and 8 feet high - built entirely out of cans. The event is designed to call attention to the issue of hunger in the Greater Cincinnati community. For more information, visit www.freestorefoodbank.org
Food Drive Challenge 2009 Cincinnati Canstruction
Canstruction 2008 Winners
Food Drive Challenge
Art on a Napkin Press Release
National CANstruction website
Society of Design Administration