#United States #Melville #H2M architects #Canstruction #The Giving Tree

H2M Architects + Engineers Wins Canstruction International Competition

In a showcase of creativity and compassion, H2M architects + engineers, based in Melville, New York, has achieved a remarkable victory in the 2024 Canstruction International Competition. The competition, known globally for its innovative designs made entirely from canned goods, honors teams of architects, engineers, and contractors who create impressive structures while raising awareness and support for local food banks.

Inspiration and Design

H2M's winning creation was inspired by Shel Silverstein's beloved children's book, The Giving Tree. This heartwarming design utilized nearly 7,800 cans of food, meticulously arranged to depict the nurturing tree from the story, symbolizing generosity and giving. The vibrant sculpture stood as a testament to the artistic capabilities of H2M's team while also fulfilling its altruistic purpose.

At the 18th Annual Canstruction Long Island Awards, H2M's sculpture was recognized with two significant accolades: Best Original Design and Most Cans. These awards reflect not only the aesthetic appeal of their design but also the substantial amount of food contributed to the community through the initiative.

A Meaningful Mission

The Canstruction event, founded in 1992, is not just an art competition but a movement aimed at combating hunger. Structures created by participating teams are displayed publicly, allowing community members to engage with the artwork while learning about the importance of food security. Once the event concludes, the canned goods are donated to local food banks, with Canstruction participants collectively contributing over 1.175 million pounds of food this year.

From the Long Island region alone, an impressive 49,000 cans and over $20,000 in cash donations were raised, benefiting food banks such as Island Harvest, Interfaith Nutrition Network, Long Island Cares, and The NEST. This outcome epitomizes the spirit of community engagement and collaboration, core values embedded in the Canstruction initiative.

Building Teamwork and Leadership

Rich Humann, President and CEO of H2M, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of participating in events like Canstruction, stating, "Canstruction is not just a great opportunity to give back to the community; it's also a valuable way to build trust, teamwork, and leadership skills among our team members." He expressed pride in their ability to incorporate the same innovative and collaborative spirit into their community service that they apply to their design projects.

This experience serves as a conduit for H2M employees to unite in a common cause, showcasing their commitment to social responsibility alongside their architectural prowess. H2M architects + engineers continues to pave the way in both design excellence and community service, aligning with their mission to address relevant issues through creative solutions.

Learn More

To explore more about the vital work Canstruction does in tackling hunger across the U.S. and beyond, visit Canstruction's official website.

With a team of more than 580 skilled professionals, H2M architects + engineers offers comprehensive consulting and design services, responding adeptly to clients' needs in various sectors such as civil engineering, environmental planning, and structural design. Find out how they are tackling architectural and engineering challenges by visiting H2M's website.

Together, through designs that are as creative as they are generous, H2M reaffirms its commitment to both the built environment and the communities it serves.