Peterson Structural Engineers offers knowledge and insight into the work of the artist, which is unique in engineering circles.  In addition to years of experience with commercial, municipal, and residential design projects, we have worked with a variety of artists, sculptors  and designers to bring large scale public, private, and commercial artworks into being. Our design team includes registered Professional Engineers who are sensitive and familiar to the needs of artists and sculptors. This well rounded knowledge allows PSE to provide high quality engineering services in concert with the understanding of the creative goals of the artist and sculptor.

PSE has provided structural member analysis, foundation design and anchorage calculations, connection details and construction drawings for a wide variety of art and sculpture commissions.  Locations of these projects range from local pieces in downtown Portland and around the northwest to places around the world such as China, Japan, and the New York State Federal Court Building.  We are able to offer complete consulting and design services for a wide variety of building materials.

Featured Projects

Eastridge Covenant Church 2004-2008 Client: Eastridge Covenant Church

PSE worked with the Owner and the Architect of a new multi-use church, school, and office building from the initial planning stages through the completion of the project.  The building consists of a large multi-purpose room to be used for the church and other activities and has expansive spaces and sloped ceilings up to 38 feet high.  The front of the building contains a large steel and glass tower that will eventually support an additional steel spire cross.  The building includes space for the church offices and a two-story building for a school and other community uses.  The structure consists of large span steel beams and wood and engineered joists as well as a mixture of concrete, steel, and light frame wood construction.
PSE was also involved in the site work, designing numerous mechanically earth stabilized retaining walls up to 14 feet tall for the parking areas and pedestrian bridges in nature trails within a wetland on the property.  Construction was completed in early 2008 and the building is now occupied by the Owner.

Flying Bridge Sculpture 1997 Client: Ed Carpenter, Artist

The "Flying Bridge" is a combination sculpture and access bridge designed by world-renowned glass sculptor Ed Carpenter for the Dean Science Building at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington.  PSE assisted Mr. Carpenter in the development of the structural scheme and acted as the structural designer for the bridge.
The footbridge-sculpture soars high in the air in an atrium between two buildings and provides a function and aesthetically pleasing artistic link between them.  The bridge is constructed of aluminum, stainless steel and laminated dichroic glass.

NW Streetcar Sculpture 2001 Client: Peter Beeman, Sculptor

An interactive piece designed by Sculptor Peter Beeman sways and whistles with the wind and can be set in motion with a push on the pendulum.  The tripod sculpture, situated at the corner of SW Tenth Avenue and Burnside in Portland, is made of stainless steel, bronze, titanium and lead.
PSE assisted the artist with member sizing and connection detailing as well as providing wind load analysis, anchorage and foundation details.

Bend Gate Sculpture 1996 Client: Lee Kelly, Sculptor

The Bend Gate structure was designed and built by Portland Sculptor Lee Kelly and installed in the City of Bend, Oregon.
PSE performed lateral analysis for wind and seismic loads and generated calculations and foundation drawings for the anchorage of this 30-foot-tall sculpture. The metals used were weathering steel, and these photographs, taken in February of 2003, show the intended progression of corrosion and steel colorations as weathering occurs.