Khaled Mansy, Oklahoma State University Faculty Advisor

"This was my first time to participate in the CSI Design-Build competition. I’m really impressed with the organization, the organizers, the program, the students’ enthusiasm, and San Antonio. Street public art was a great idea. Students will come back in the years to come to see the signature they left for the residents of San Antonio. The Design Build competition is a great vehicle that allowed students to learn effectively in almost no time … only three mornings!! Even myself … now I know how to lay ceramic tiles in the outdoor in the shade of an elevated highway! This was an innovative idea. This year, Oklahoma State University participated with two teams (seven members) and we intend to participate in the same competition for years to come."
 

Stephanie Hsie, Rice University Student
 

“As an entering fourth year architecture student attending Rice University, this was my first CSI competition, and I am happy to say that it was a highly enjoyable experience.  The competition itself covered many aspects of architectural design the conception of the idea, to the building of a close team, to the construction or the mosaic.  I love the hands on aspect of the project and the atmosphere of the site was fun and energetic which made the long hours of grouting go by much quicker.  It was nice meeting people from other schools and watching mosaics unfold as the days went by.  Everyone was so friendly it almost didn’t feel like a competition at all but a public work project instead; a group of people  coming together to design mosaics under the freeway for the city of San Antonio to enjoy.  All the construction crew, volunteers, and CSI competition coordinators were extremely helpful and easy to talk to.  Even though there were points when people had doubts that we would finish by Saturday, everyone always had a bright smile.  And when we did finish well before the deadline, it was nice that we could all laugh and celebrate together. It was nice to have the evening to explore San Antonio and experience different aspects of the city in person after researching them from Houston.

It is very exciting that our piece will remain beneath the highway for San Antonio pedestrians and drivers to enjoy for many years to come.  Now San Antonio will forever remind me of the fun I had meeting new people, working with a great team, and designing something that we can all appreciate.”