The event took place at 1 p.m. in the Xperience auditorium on the 10th floor° of UADE's Lima campus, marking the closing of the academic exercise developed by students of the subject “Integral Product Development VI” of the Industrial Design degree, in a proposal promoted by Hydro Argentina, in partnership with Premium Crystals.
The initiative, developed in teams of three students and under the coordination of the teachers Hernán Stehle and Fabrizio Colautti, proposed the design of a modular aluminium deck system, as a lightweight, durable, fire-resistant and easy-to-install solution. The challenge contemplated real structural criteria (point load, deflection, water evacuation), and the integration of accessory parts that ensure functionality, assembly and adaptability to different urban or residential environments.
The team made up of Manuel Bonfanti, Manuela Deveaux and Santiago Fuentes was awarded first prize., while Robertino Bianchi, Zdenka Pavlovsky and Lucía Pollan received a Special Mention for the technical and conceptual soundness of its proposal.
The experience included a technical training day at Hydro's plant in Pilar, where the 26 participating students were able to observe the complete aluminium extrusion process and receive key tools to make project decisions with a real technical basis. In addition, during the final presentation, Hydro professionals evaluated the projects together with the faculty, providing feedback on feasibility, innovation and market application potential.
Gonzalo Farias, Hydro Argentina's Industrial Market Business Development Manager, said: «We welcome these kinds of proposals that connect industry with academia. For Hydro, being part of these processes is key to fostering applied design thinking and opening up new possibilities in the use of aluminium. We are proud to see the commitment of the students and the quality of the developments they presented.»
Victoria Wasserman, Hydro Argentina's Commercial Manager, said: «This type of experience allows us to sow a culture of design with purpose, where aluminium is not only a technical resource, but a vehicle for creativity, efficiency and sustainability. We want to accompany future designers on the path of transforming ideas into real solutions».»
Winning Team
Hernán Stehle, The teacher of the subject, he pointed out: «This type of exercise allows students to confront real problems, with specific production, time and resource constraints. And that transforms their view of design: it gives them tools for their professional future and commits them to innovation from a responsible approach.»
The role of Premium Crystals, The firm, which specialises in architectural solutions in glass and aluminium, was instrumental in giving the exercise a concrete professional profile. Although the commission was not a direct one, its actual technical requirements served as the basis for guiding the design criteria and its commercial applicability.
Diego Fiorante, Cristales Premium, a representative of Cristales Premium, pointed out:«It was very enriching for us to be part of this exercise together with UADE and Hydro. The students were able to accurately interpret market needs and propose concrete solutions. Seeing how they approached the challenge with technical criteria, creativity and commitment leaves us with an optimistic view of the future of industrial design in our country».»
Special Mention
The activity was institutionally accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design, Dr. Turquesa Topper, the Director of the Department of Object and Industrial Design, Lic. Cristian Girardi, and the Course Director, DI. Alan Smirnoff, The project's participants highlighted the relevance of collaborative work as an integral training experience, which articulates curricular knowledge, design tools, teamwork and strategic vision.
About Hydro Argentina
Hydro is the only company with a complete value chain in the global aluminium sector, with activities in forty countries around the world. Combining local expertise, global reach and unrivalled R&D capabilities, our 35,000 employees create innovative aluminium solutions across the entire value chain worldwide. The purpose is to create a more viable society by developing natural resources into products and solutions in an innovative and efficient way. It is present in a wide range of market segments in aluminium, energy, metal recycling, renewable energies and batteries, offering a unique wealth of knowledge and competence. Hydro Extrusion Argentina is the first aluminium plant in the country to be certified according to the ASI Performance Standard, which aims to ensure that the principles of sustainability and human rights are increasingly integrated into supply chains. In addition, it holds the certifications: ISO 9001; 14001 and 45001, and. Qualicoat. It currently operates one of the most technically advanced extrusion presses in Latin America.
