An extraordinary annual design competition and the most unique food charity in the world, Canstruction challenges teams of architects, engineers, and contractors to build sculptures made entirely out of unopened cans of food. The large scale structures are placed on display and later donated to City Harvest for distribution to those in need.
VOTING: Click here to vote for the People’s Choice. Winner will be announced on November 22.
GROUP VISITS: School classes and groups larger than 7 individuals should schedule their visit here.
ADMISSION: There is no admission fee to enter Canstruction, but we ask that all our visitors bring a full can of healthy food (or several) to donate to City Harvest. There is a large collection bin next to the Information Desk located on the second level.
ENTRY POINT: It is best to enter through the doors at 230 Vesey Street where you will see the first of the structures.
MAP: View a map of Canstruction at BFPL here.
ARRIVING BY SUBWAY: You have the following options:
- E train to WTC
- A&C trains to Chambers Street
- 2&3 trains to Park Place
- N&R trains to Courtlandt Street
- 4&5 trains to Fulton Street
DINING: There are several available food options at Hudson Eats and throughout Brookfield Place to get food or snacks.
NOTE:
- All structures are self-supported. Please be mindful of young children and please do not lean over the stanchions to touch the sculptures.
- There is no coat check. All belongings (backpacks, bags, jackets etc.) must be kept with you at all times.
- Photography of the sculptures are encouraged. Please tag @BFPLNY & #atBFPL on social media.
- Tripods are not allowed unless you request permission in advance.
Canstruction International Award winners, which go on to the International Awards Competition:
Best Original Design: LERA
Structural Ingenuity: Pelli Clarke Pelli
Best Meal: RAND
Most Cans: WSP USA
Best Use of Labels: Gensler
People’s Choice: VOTE HERE! Announced on November 22.
Canstruction New York Award winners, which are only given locally:
Cheri C. Melillo Award (nicknamed the Cheri): Howard L Zimmerman Architects
Honorable Mention: Microdesk & Thornton Tomasetti
Canstruction® New York is a 501(c)(3) Corporation. Canstruction is a not for profit charity, founded by the SDA, which hosts competitions and events creating awe-inspiring, gigantic structures made entirely out of non-perishable food. Teams of volunteers, which include design industry professionals, participate in Canstruction® events in over 100 cities around the world each year. The can art sculptures are on exhibit to the public in each city where a competition is held. The public is invited to donate non-perishable food items during the exhibition. At the close of an exhibition, all food from the structures and public donations are donated to local food banks. Canstruction® New York has donated over 2 million pounds of food to local food banks since 1993, and over 1.2 million pounds to City Harvest since 2006. Since 1992, Canstruction® has raised nearly 82 million pounds of food for hunger relief organizations around the world with its signature, trademarked CanArt.®
City Harvest is New York City’s largest food rescue organization, helping to feed the nearly 1.2 million New Yorkers who are struggling to put meals on their tables. We will rescue 64 million pounds of food this year and deliver it, free of charge, to hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community partners across the five boroughs. Our programs empower individuals through nutrition education, increase our partners’ capacity, and strengthen the local food system, helping New Yorkers who are experiencing food insecurity to access, afford, and consume nutritious food. To learn more about our work, visit cityharvest.org
