HMC Architects, Los Angeles, recently competed in Canstruction LA and was recognized with the structural ingenuity award for their 2500-can, gravity-defying structure entitled “Cancave/Canvex.” The build out took place October 14 at 5900 Wilshire where seven teams assembled their structures made solely out of cans—all of which will be donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

HMC’s team reached out to industry partners to collaborate on the project, and partnered with structural engineers Buro Happold to ensure the undulating wall would not collapse. After a few late night test builds and dedicated lunches, the team was confident in their design. Ford Graphics and Mission Reprographics both donated foam core to the cause, which the team laser cut to support each level of cans in the structure.

Structures will remain on display daily until November 6, 2010 in the Variety Building lobby at 5900 Wilshire Blvd. The exhibit is free to the public; canned food donations are accepted.

Canstruction—produced under the auspices of the Society for Design Administration—has been held in more than 100 cities across the United States and Canada. Over the last three years, Canstruction LA has raised more than  197,525 cans of food for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.