Community Partnerships • Events • Corporate Drives • CANstruction • 10 min read • Jun 17, 2025 6:00:00 PM • Written by: Leo Artola
The Spirit of Anchorage CANstruction: A Community United Against Hunger
Anchorage CANstruction is more than just a competition; it’s a testament to the power of community spirit and creativity in the fight against hunger. Now in its 16th year, this event has become a beloved tradition, rallying engineers, architects, and local businesses together for a common cause.
The event has successfully brought in over 250,000 cans of food throughout its history, all of which have been donated to the Food Bank of Alaska to support Alaskans facing hunger.
This year's theme, animals, added an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the competition. Teams meticulously designed and constructed their sculptures within a 10-foot square, ensuring every can was put to good use not just in art, but in feeding our community.
Meet the Creative Minds: This Year’s Competing Teams
The 2025 Anchorage CANstruction featured six dedicated teams, each bringing their unique vision and expertise to the table.
The participating teams were:
- Dowl
- CRW Engineering Group
- Enterprise Engineering Inc.
- HDR, HDL, Michael Baker International, and Architects Alaska
- MCG Explore Design and Coffman Engineers
- KUNA Engineering and Nana Management Services
Photo Gallery Slideshow
These teams exemplified the spirit of collaboration and innovation, transforming thousands of cans into magnificent animal-themed sculptures. Their efforts not only showcased their engineering and architectural skills but also their dedication to supporting the local community.
Build Day Excitement: Turning Cans Into Art
On Friday, April 25, the Dimond Center Mall buzzed with excitement as teams raced against the clock to construct their animal-themed masterpieces. From 12-7pm, the mall was a hive of activity, drawing in spectators eager to witness the creative process in action.
The public had the opportunity to watch as thousands of cans were meticulously arranged to create stunning, freestanding structures. This hands-on approach not only engaged the community but also raised awareness about the pressing issue of hunger in Alaska. The completed CANstructures remained on display until May 5, giving visitors ample time to explore the exhibit and vote for their favorite sculpture as part of the People’s Choice Award.
Celebrating Winners: The People’s Choice and More
The competition was fierce, but several teams stood out for their exceptional creativity and ingenuity. The winners for this year's Anchorage CANstruction were:
🏆 MOST CANS (4,776) 🏆
Enterprise Engineering, Inc.
🏆 BEST ORIGINAL DESIGN/JUROR'S FAVORITE 🏆
Coffman Engineers/MCG Explore Design
🏆 BEST USE OF LABELS 🏆
Michael Baker International/HDR/HDL/Architects Alaska
🏆 STRUCTURAL INGENUITY 🏆
Michael Baker International/HDR/HDL/Architects Alaska
🏆 PEOPLE'S CHOICE 🏆
Kuna Engineering/NANA Management Services
These awards highlight the incredible talent and hard work of the participating teams. Each sculpture not only served as a piece of art but also as a beacon of hope and support for those in need.
Supporters and Sponsors
A big thank you to every participant, volunteer, photographer, sponsor, and supporter who made this year’s Anchorage CANstruction a success.
Sponsors
Carrs/Safeway, Fred Meyer/Albertsons, Dimond Center, AAA Moving and Storage, Big City Engineers, iHeart Radio, and Ohana Media GroupSteering Committee
- Leo Artola, Food Bank of Alaska
- Melissa Branch, Big City Engineers
- Alma Abaza, CRW Engineering Group, Inc.
- Jenny DiGrappa, Northern Lights Consulting
Join the Movement
How You Can Participate in Future Events
Team registration for the 2026 CANstruction event will open in late 2025. Whether you are an architect, an engineer, a local business, or an enthusiastic volunteer, there are numerous ways to get involved.
For those looking to support the cause, consider sponsoring a team, volunteering during the event, or making a charitable donation to the Food Bank of Alaska. Every gesture, big or small, contributes to our mission of fighting hunger and supporting our community.
Stay tuned for more details and updates on how you can participate in future CANstruction events.
