In this episode, we dig into entertainment and retail design and explore why venues can't be engineered by code compliance alone. We talk through how structural engineers approach performance-driven spaces like concert venues, theaters, and experiential retail where vibration, rigging, sightlines, and serviceability often control the design more than strength.

We break down how engineers think about vibration tolerance and human perception, how rigging grids are designed for unknown future shows, and why exposed structure can either elevate architecture or become a liability. The conversation also covers adaptive reuse of malls and anchor boxes, what engineers look for when evaluating existing buildings, common misconceptions about reuse and overbuilding, how structural testing and "detective work" inform decisions, and why early engineering involvement is critical when design intent is ambitious but budgets and sites are constrained.

Guest Profile:

Travis Corigliano, PE, is a Principal at Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) in Seattle, where he leads the firm's Retail & Entertainment market sector. His work focuses on designing spaces where people actively choose to go lie concert venues, immersive entertainment, and redeveloped retail environments balancing strong architectural intent with structural performance, constructability, and long‑term flexibility.

Links & Resources:

StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd

Structural Trivia:

Sign up for our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp.

Reach out to us:

TheEngineeringPodcast.com

Instagram

Linkedin

In this episode, we dig into flood and wave design and explore when water transitions from a site consideration into a true structural load case. We talk through how engineers identify flood risk, interpret FEMA flood maps, and determine when flood, wave, or debris loads must be considered—especially for engineers who typically design in dry conditions.

We break down the difference between flood loads and wave impact, how elevated structures, piles, and breakaway walls behave under water-driven forces, and where standard structural intuition starts to fall apart. The conversation also covers how ASCE 7, ASCE 24, and FEMA guidance are used in practice, common misconceptions around seawalls and shoreline protection, how engineers communicate risk to clients, and what the future of coastal design may look like as conditions continue to evolve.

Links & Resources:

StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd

Structural Trivia:

Sign up for our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp.

Reach out to us:

TheEngineeringPodcast.com

Instagram

Linkedin

In this episode, we explore structural engineering through an unexpected lens: LEGO. What starts as a simple building toy becomes a powerful way to explain fundamental concepts like load paths, stability, and structural behavior.

We discuss how the idea began, why physical models can communicate more clearly than sketches or equations, and the first moment it became clear this approach actually works. The conversation highlights which concepts translate best to LEGO, where the analogies break down, and how to balance simplicity with technical accuracy.

Links & Resources:

StructurEd (our free study tool): TheEngineeringPodcast.com/StructurEd

Structural Trivia:

Sign up for our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp.

Reach out to us:

TheEngineeringPodcast.com

Instagram

Linkedin