by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
The cans and perishable food items are back at the Main Library thanks to this year’s “Canstruction” fundraiser. In its seventh year, the annual project features the creative designs of some of the area’s most innovative design, construction and architectural firms.
Among this year’s entries are a Downtown skyline, a launching space shuttle and many other recognizable Jacksonville scenes and objects.
“This is the most we’ve had participate in a long time, if ever,” said Karen Reiley, the director of advancement for Lutheran Social Services.
The benefactor of the annual canstruction competition is the Lutheran’s Second Harvest Food Bank. Reiley said this year’s totals haven’t been determined yet, but last year the food drive generated 9,200 pounds of food.
“That’s 6,100 meals for the needy,” said Reiley. “Over the past six years, we have gotten over 72,000 pounds of food.”
Lori Orton of TTV Architects organizes the event. She said she starts in September by sending out an e-mail seeking participants. Interested parties had until late December to commit. Orton said companies other than architects, designers and builders are welcome to participate. However, one member of each team must belong to either the Society of Design Administrators or the American Institute of Architecture.
Once teams enter, it’s time to start thinking design and what’s feasible to make out of canned food such as tuna, beans and fruits as well as such items as boxed pasta. The displays were installed Friday on various floors of the library, but Orton doubts that’s the first time each team created their project.
“They are encouraged to practice ahead of time,” said Orton.
Canstruction participants include: JSA Architects Inc.; The Haskell Company; Rink Design Partnership Inc. teaming with Broadbased Communications Inc.; Gresham, Smith and Partners teaming with TLC Engineering for Architecture; Kasper Architecture and Development Inc.; Bergmann Associates Inc.; Reynolds, Smith & Hills Inc.; Auld & White Constructors LLC; HDR Engineering Inc.; Skanska USA Building Inc. and Basham & Lucas Design Group Inc.