Hennebery Eddy, David Evans & Associates, and Mortenson Construction joined forces for this year’s CANstruction Portland competition, building a larger-than-life version of the Hungry Hungry Hippos board game. The event supports the Oregon Food Bank, raising awareness about the 1 in 8 Oregonians facing food insecurity.
Following the success of last year’s Sasquatch-themed CANstruction build, our team set out to celebrate the joy and playfulness of childhood while drawing attention to the cause. Using a Grasshopper script and a 3D model of a hippo, our team confirmed that Humphry the Hungry Hippo’s shape would be recognizable. We then developed structural strategies for the key features like teeth and ears.
On build day at Pioneer Place Mall in downtown Portland, our team of builders and volunteers spent five hours assembling our oversized hippo. Following a week of public viewing and voting, our team was awarded the People’s Choice Award, the Structural Ingenuity Award, and Best Original Design — the highest honor given by CANstruction!
All food used in the displays was donated to the Oregon Food Bank. You can support the Oregon Food Bank at any time by making a donation — because fighting hunger is a game we all win when we play together.
Mission Statement: Hippos are not the only ones who go hungry! “Helpful Hungry Hippo” turns playful nostalgia into purposeful action. Our hungry hippo reminds us that hunger is no game, highlighting the contrast between fun and food insecurity. Through creativity, teamwork, and a whole lot of cans, we are chomping down on hunger one bite at a time.
