Where Art Meets Structure: Knowing When to Call a Structural Engineer

Not every piece of art needs a structural engineer—but when it does, early involvement can save time, money, and stress. For building owners, knowing when to bring in an engineer can make the difference between a smooth installation and a costly rework.

When Do You Need a Structural Engineer?

The answer isn’t always based on size. “A large sculpture may be ‘typical,’ whereas a small sculpture may be unique and of higher risk to the public,” explains structural engineer Rebecca Lubrano, PE, senior project manager with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger in Waltham, MA. She adds that critical factors include scale, location, and how the public might interact with the piece.

In general, you’ll need an engineer when:

• The owner, code requirements, or a building official calls for one

• The installation’s location presents a risk to life safety

• The piece involves unusual geometry, materials, or performance expectations

Lubrano gives the example of a Times Square installation, “Heart of Hearts,” which attracted crowds. “The ultimate thing is: Is there a life safety risk?” she says. “You might not be the best to examine that. A building official sometimes triggers that, because that’s their job… and we as engineers, that’s how we often look at things.”

Engineers Do More Than Crunch Numbers

Structural engineers bring more than technical calculations to the table—they help define the problem before solving it. They protect both the public and the artist’s vision.

“It’s making sure [the art] meets the safety requirements of the code and everything that the artist wanted it to be,” Lubrano says. “Those are really interesting things to pair together.”

Paul Kassabian, PE, P.Eng., C.Eng., a principal with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger says that he and Lubrano work to reassure artists. “We’re not pretending to be the artist, we’re helping them best get what they’re trying to achieve.”

A Creative Collaboration

Far from being barriers to creativity, engineers can be partners in expression. By getting involved early, they help set realistic expectations and find ways to support artistic intent without compromising safety.

“A conversation could save you an entire process,” Lubrano says. “Or it could raise concerns or redirect your thinking early on.”

Early dialogue can also clarify abstract ideas. “If someone just says, ‘I want this to be as light as possible,’” Kassabian says, “we have a lot of discussions about exactly what the artist means—do you really mean physically light, or the appearance of lightness?”

Safety, Performance, and Peace of Mind

Wind, snow, seismic activity, and crowd interaction—all can impact an installation’s safety and durability. Structural engineers assess these variables to ensure the artwork performs as intended over time.

“Depending on the form, a structural engineer can provide a level of comfort,” Lubrano says. “Is there a life safety risk? That’s the ultimate question.”

Rethinking the Role

Many owners assume engineers will make things heavier, bigger, or more conservative. In reality, a good engineer is a problem-solver who listens to the artist’s goals and finds creative ways to meet them.

“Our goal is not to change it, but to help it,” Lubrano adds. “There are engineers who are willing and able to not necessarily make it bigger, but to manage expectations.”

By bringing engineers into the conversation early, building owners can support both artistic vision and public safety—turning structural challenges into creative opportunities.

For more information about structural engineering for art installations, read “The Engineering of Art” in the February 2025 issue of Structure Magazine.