The Canstruction 2011 exhibit is on at the World Financial Center in New York City -- and it's free to visit! In its 19th year and part of a public food drive for City Harvest, this annual event is a competition that helps to raise canned food for charity. In 2010, the event raised over 2 million pounds of food, says the Canstruction website.
For Canstruction 2011, which is on until Nov. 21, 100,000 cans of food have been put to use by local architecture and design firms, who have created 26 spectacular designs. Among them are replicas of a sinking Titantic ship, Alexander McQueen's staggering Lady Gaga shoes, Angry Birds, the Brooklyn Bridge and more.
If you plan on visiting, bring a non-perishable food item, such as canned tuna or beans (this is a food drive, after all!). The cans used in the event, plus the donated cans, will all go toward local community food programs.
Canned Avian Creations
Angry Birds and More at Canstruction 2011 in NYC
Trend Themes
1. Charity Events - More charity events that promote creativity and public participation can be organized across various cities.
2. Sustainable Packaging - The use of sustainable and biodegradable packaging can replace traditional packaging materials.
3. Creative Food Displays - A trend towards creative food displays at events that cater to Instagram and social media users can be integrated into marketing campaigns for food brands or restaurants.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Architecture and design firms can create innovative designs using sustainable and recyclable materials in large-scale charity events, food drives or public installations.
2. Food Packaging - Food packaging companies can explore biodegradable and eco-friendly materials for packaging to reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Food and Beverage Industry - The use of creative displays of food and beverage products can be incorporated into marketing campaigns of food and beverage companies and restaurants.