AEROSPACE COMPANY TAPS FILIPINO STUDENTS IN HACKATHON
Collins Aerospace, maker of aerospace and defense products, tapped young Filipino innovators of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde to develop and design aircraft cabin proposals.
The hackathon challenged Industrial Design Program students from the School of Environment and Design (SED) to create cabin interiors for an A320 Airbus.
Under the mentorship of Collins Aerospace engineers and Benilde Industrial Design Program experts and educators, the contenders were grouped to create spatial product systems and platform solutions.
Based on the given problem statement, participants were tasked to submit proposals with ergonomics and creative spaces in mind. An overview of the design, conceptual sketches, as well as proof of feasibility were also required.
To prepare for the main competition, the students visited the newest SkyArt aircraft cabin installation at the Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management. They were also treated to an exclusive tour of the facility and manufacturing factory located at the Collins Aerospace headquarters in Batangas.
The entries were evaluated based on novelty, feasibility, usability, business impact and fulfillment of the specific requirements by a roster of specialists, to include Collins Aerospace head industrial designer Glenn Johnson, executive director of engineering Sabharish Seenivasen, engineering manager Luisa Carmen, engineering project manager Grothian Paguyo and fellow for mechanical design Mark Dowty.
They were hosted by certification engineer and project manager Jorainne Razal.
Team Halo, composed of Benildeans Josh Habal, Duke Habal and Luke Habal emerged as the winner. They were guided by faculty member Patrick Sunico.
Team #0047AB (Mikaela Asuncion, Justin Osorio and Laurence Hernandez, under Mary Nobleza) and Team Raptors (Camilla Reyes, Trisha Caralian and John Dence Flores, guided by Industrial Design chairperson Romeo Catap Jr.) finished as runners-up.
The partnership has opened curricular and internship opportunities for all the learners under Benilde Industrial Design Program.