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CSArch Brings the "S" in STEAM to 2024 CANstruction

5.8.2024

For the 14th consecutive year, CSArch participated in Capital Region CANstruction, an annual design competition and exhibit that invites architects, engineers, contractors, and students to create colossal structures made entirely out of non-perishable food items. At the close of the exhibit, all food collected and funds raised will be donated to the Food Pantries for the Capital District to help serve our local communities and combat hunger in our region.

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Since 2011, the dedicated Capital Region CANstruction teams have collectively donated over 907,863 pounds of food and $378,954 to the Food Pantries for the Capital District. Last year alone, our region donated 82,045 canned food items and $60,000, the largest monetary donation to date!

This year’s theme, Dream STEAM, inspired the CSArch team to bring to life two beloved Muppet characters. With the help of our talented designers, Beaker and Bunsen set up their lab table and equipment here in Albany to share their love of science, demonstrate some new experiments, and undoubtedly encounter some lab mishaps along the way!

Thanks to our generous sponsors, our team surpassed our $5,000 fundraising goal to purchase the cans needed to create Beaker and Bunsen. On Monday, May 6, CSArch team members met at Crossgates Mall to carefully stack 1,809 cans and construct our eager, passionate, and accident-prone scientist duo. The following evening, each CANstruction team gathered to celebrate the success of this year’s build and present awards to several winning teams.  

Our CANstruction poster, created by Melissa Renkawitz, Samantha Innamorato, Sabrina Innamorato, and Amber Skowron, captures the essence of Beaker and Bunsen and thanks our donors for helping our team raise nearly $6,500.

The CANstructures will be on display at Crossgates Mall until May 20th. Vote for Beaker and Bunsen as the People’s Choice Award by bringing canned food items to CSArch’s bin, located on the first floor of the mall near the old Burlington Coat Factory.

Time lapse of the 2024 CANstruction build