How do you construct a world without hunger? Albeit, a noble question to ask, philosophers and sociologists have mind marinated this utopian concept, among others, for centuries. Maybe there is no easy answer, but at the very least, my buddies over at Killefer Flammang Architects and the organization Canstruction are doing their best to fill in the thinking gaps, in a creative form.

In an homage to Auguste Rodin’s famous bronze sculpture, “The Thinker”, Santa Monica’s KFA recreated the philosophical icon …. In a San Fernando Valley mall …out of sardine cans. Hear that? That was the sound of Rodin turning in his grave. But holy cow is this project cool.

After weeks of can research, freehand and sketchup modeling, small scale testing, blood, sweat and beers, the team was able to construct a replica of the 1904 masterpiece out of an estimated 4,000 cans of sardines, soup, ensure, and veggies. This complete macronutrient meal eventually goes to the local food bank after it’s mall tenure is complete. It took the team roughly 7 hours to stack their creation dubbed “Food for Thought”, in a structurally sound manner. FYI, it took Rodin about 24 years… still not sure what shopping mall he built his in.

Canstruction is “An International Community Service Project of the Design and Construction Industry.” Nine other firms competed in this judged competition with similar structures such as a garden gnome, the emerald city, and an Oscar award. None NEARLY as cool as “Food for Thought”. But I’m a partial blogger today. Judge for yourself though, as the designs can be viewed at the Sherman Oaks, CA, Westfield Fashion Square beginning September 29th.

UPDATE: the damb kids brought home top honors at the CanstructionLA Gala last night, beating out DMJM, their biggest competition. Congrats to you all!

Just a little proof that the homeless do enjoy sardines. Captured in the slums in Santa Monica

Update #2. Alison showed off “Food for Thought” on KTLA this morning. I’ll post a properly illegal Tivo’d version as soon as i get home. check it here: