JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

Applicants to Olin had to construct a foam-and-paper tower that would hold a 2-pound weight but fall over in a breeze.

JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

Mariko Thorbecke worked on her team’s entry.

JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

Diego Guerrero helped design his team’s entry.

JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

Geoffrey Pleiss gave them instructions while riding a bike.

JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

With time running out to assemble the entry, one team worked on a table in front of hung student artwork.