(Montgomery, Ala.) – Three contestants recently moved on to the third phase of the MGMWERX Design Challenge, “MGMWERX Education Facility Redesign for Innovative Learning.” Phase III of the challenge will feature contestants – Don Brown with BrownStudio, Chenega Defense & Aerospace Solutions, LLC., and Malone Office Supplies – as they continue the process of designing optimal workspaces for Professional Military Education (PME) and student training.
“If Airmen enjoy and are not distracted from the school and classroom environment then they can focus on the education and training at hand,” explains CMSgt Michael Taylor, Design Challenge participant. “This affords our Airmen access to the greatest number of perspectives and experiences possible which in turn informs and influences their capabilities as leaders.”
Phase II required contestants to provide at least two-color drawings of each space from different viewpoints. The contestants supplied detailed lists of products and furniture and their cost estimates, in addition to a White Paper laying out the methodology behind their design choices. From those contestants in Phase II, all were moved forward to the final selection phase. Participants are scheduled to present their concept to a panel of judges who will reward them with cash prizes on May 13.
The Challenge hosted by MGMWERX will utilize the best design professionals of civilian status, to maintain top-notch design expertise for the Air Force. Such challenges continue to fulfill the mission of MGMWERX to provide a direct connection between the military and the best ideas and innovations outside of the military.
“By soliciting widely and selecting the best to continue to evolve, we can both select and guide the development of the best ideas from inception until final selection,” described another Design Challenge participant, Maj. Nicholas Narbutovskih. “By moving in phases, Air University can ensure responsible use of resources while providing conditions for truly innovative solutions to emerge.”
For more information on the Design Challenge and other challenges hosted by MGMWERX, go to www.mgmwerx.org/mgmwerx-challenge.
MGMWERX was created under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement to align with the education initiatives of Air University. MGMWERX augments ongoing Air University programs, through events like Pitch Night, to enhance production of high-quality, innovative research and ideas that span issues of importance to the Air Force. This includes, but is not limited to, doctrine, strategies, capability needs, operational concepts, training, education, and science and technology.