Newark Architects Show 'Can-Do' Spirit

A Newark architectural firm recently took part in a unique contest - and also helped hungry families throughout the region.

The state chapter of the American Institute of Architects recently hosted its “Canstruction” competition, where firms designed and built huge structures from canned foods. The entries were displayed at Livingston Mall before the structures were dismantled and the 26,000 cans of food donated to Community FoodBank of Hillside, which makes donations in 18 counties.

Solutions Architecture of Newark won the “structural integrity” and “people’s choice” awards for its entry, “School the Mind -- Feed the Body,” the massive red schoolhouse pictured above.