Global oil and natural gas refining firm Shell invited young artists to develop sustainable and innovative proposals based on recycled materials in fashion, furniture and workspace.

The company partnered with the Guild of Rising Interior Designers, the official organization of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Interior Design Program. They challenged students to produce prototypes that optimized health, safety, security, and environment, whether face-to-face or work-from-home arrangements. 

Under the mentorship of educator IDr. Candice Arboleda, the trailblazers, derived ideas from Filipino heritage, tradition and culture to ease waste emissions and ergonomic challenges of the labor force.

Mari Abad and Pauline Paluero were hailed as grand prize winners for their Mutualism entries. They received a P10,000 cash prize.

Inspired by the Tubbataha Reefs in the Sulu Sea, the duo explored the symbiotic interaction between employers and employees to build a productive and vigorous landscape.

With this in mind, they crafted the operational stations with curved denim partitions and adjustable chairs, providing privacy and an eco-friendly atmosphere. The lobby, telecommunication booths and meeting rooms were curated for comfort and effective utilization of equipment and resources.