This Spring, Pickering Associates participated in West Virginia’s Canstruction competition for the third time in an effort to help bring an end to world hunger. Canstruction is a unique nonprofit organization which hosts design competitions, exhibitions and events showcasing colossal structures made entirely out of full cans of food. After the structures are built the creations are on display to the public as a giant art exhibition. At the end of the viewing, all food is donated to local food banks.
This year’s competition was held on April 2, 2016 at the Clay Center in Charleston, WV and was hosted by AIA West Virginia and the Covenant House. Design firms from across the state competed by building eight-foot-tall sculptures using cans of food.
Pickering Associates’ team developed a design using cans of pastas, soup and vegetables to honor our nation’s veterans, many of whom face hunger. With more than 11 percent of the US homeless population comprised of veterans, the team thought it was time to serve those who sacrificed so much. Depicting a saluting soldier in front of an American flag, the design utilized more than 2,700 cans and stood 8’ wide by 8’ long by 8’ tall.
Charles Keefer, architect and office manager at Pickering Associate’s Charleston Office, accepts the team’s award for Jurors’ Favorite
“The most enjoyable part of Canstruction is the comradery among our team while working toward a greater good,” says Keri Dunn, Project and Contract Manager at Pickering Associates. “Canstruction is the perfect outlet for allowing all the organizations who support us, support their communities. I believe this year’s design not only allowed us to support the food pantry, but it allowed us to direct attention to the sacrifices our veterans continue to face after their service.”
Pickering’s design, titled “Now It’s Our Turn to Serve Them,” was awarded Jurors’ Favorite, qualifying the design to compete in the international competition.
Pickering Associates would like to thank all of the local businesses that generously sponsored the design, including Pickering Energy Solutions; Tri-State Roofing and Sheet Metal; BBL Carlton; West Virginia Executive magazine; Jan Dils Attorneys at Law, LC; Aldi; Hall Financial; Grae-Con Construction; RC General Contractors; Laface & McGovern; State Electric and Charleston Blueprint.
