Engineers love rules—until breaking the norm leads to a better building. When you have creative engineers on your team, you get problem-solvers who push projects forward in unexpected ways, backed by technical confidence. In the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, creative structural and civil engineering unlocks integrated solutions that align with the architect’s vision, the owner’s budget, and the contractor’s construction schedule.
How Innovative Structural Engineering Advances Pediatric Research
Boren to Be Bold
At 1916 Boren, an 11-story concrete-framed life sciences building, forward-thinking construction systems meet today’s demands for speed, cost-efficiency, and safety. Seattle Children’s Research Institute occupies a portion of the building, advancing pediatric research within its cutting-edge spaces. Not only is it Seattle’s first all-electric laboratory building, but it is also Washington’s first project to use PS=Ø, a rebar coupler system that reimagines how concrete structures come together. The result? A faster, safer construction process and a powerful example of how curiosity and collaboration lead to innovative solutions.
Mind the Gap
Traditionally, buildings rely on pour strips, also known as closure strips, which are 3-foot to 5-foot gaps of concrete slab left un-poured. These gaps control shrinkage, creep, and elastic shortening as the concrete cures for 14 to 56 days to achieve the necessary structural performance. They require shoring to support the slabs on both sides until the closure pour is filled in, which slows construction. In other words, pour strips = lots of waiting (and patience). If pour strips are delayed, they can have a costly trickle-down effect on different trades, so coordinating effectively and sticking to the construction schedule affects everyone.
The Fast and the Floor-iest
Enter PS= Ø. Typically, rebar needs lap splices, or overlapped rods, in the closure pour to provide continuous strength and load paths between the adjacent concrete slabs. PS= Ø enables the slabs to be poured directly against each other without traditional splicing. Rebar passes through the joint into un-grouted PS=Ø couplers during construction and initial shrinkage, then fully locks the slabs together at design strength once the couplers are grouted. This allows concrete slabs to perform structurally as intended without waiting weeks for closure pours. By eliminating closure strips altogether, the system allows crews to pour full slabs without those awkward gaps.
“We determined that the system addressed our project’s challenges more effectively than traditional approaches could. Ultimately, we weren’t just recommending a new idea; we were endorsing a thoroughly vetted solution that aligned with the client’s objectives and helped reduce risk in critical areas such as schedule and constructability,” Structural Project Manager Laura Lindeman said.
For construction crews, this means starting interior buildouts sooner, dismantling the framework in one sequence, and saying goodbye to gaping holes in the floor. As a quickly installed system, PS= Ø does not require specialized skilled labor, so it reduces labor costs and accelerates project schedules. The benefits go beyond speed: fewer delays, less reshoring, and a safer, less cluttered jobsite.
For 1916 Boren, time was especially critical. The Seattle Children’s Research Institute’s tenant needs introduced schedule pressures that made every day count. Thanks to PS=Ø, construction momentum continued moving forward.
“1916 Boren was the ideal project to implement this system. We were working toward aggressive schedule goals for the tenant improvement buildout, particularly after securing Seattle Children’s Research Institute as a major tenant during construction—an exciting opportunity that also came with critical deadlines. The PS=Ø system streamlined the construction sequence by eliminating internal closure pour shoring, allowing the tenant improvement team to begin work significantly earlier,” Laura said.
Concrete Proof of Innovation
At Coughlin Porter Lundeen, structural and civil engineers are not afraid to implement inventive ideas. Our philosophy is simple: innovation is about finding opportunities through collaboration with contractors, architects, and owners. Having the opportunity to try new engineering methods exercises curiosity and confidence to support the owner, designers, and construction team in boundary-pushing ways, while keeping projects on track and within budget. Early conversations with Lease Crutcher Lewis, the general contractor, about PS=Ø ensured everyone was on the same page about implementing the game-changing technique into the structural details and ultimately on the construction site.
“Collaboration was essential!” Laura said. “Early involvement from the contractor and supplier helped align the system with the project’s goals. While it took some initial discussion, the team quickly saw the schedule and cost benefits, leading to full buy-in.”
The success of PS=Ø at 1916 Boren demonstrates how innovation in engineering shapes more than just one building; it influences our thinking about the built environment as a whole. Every advancement in structural engineering systems has ripple effects: safer job sites, faster delivery of spaces for science and discovery, and smarter ways to design cities. When engineers stay curious and open to innovative ideas, the results transform projects and the places where people live, work, and thrive.
“We’re proud to have championed a smarter structural solution that was specifically tailored to the project’s unique needs,” Laura said. “Our team approached the system with technical rigor, thoroughly validating its performance and ensuring it aligned with site-specific constraints. Through transparent communication and sound engineering, we built trust with the client and contractor, enabling the team to move forward with confidence. Ultimately, this project sets a precedent for what’s possible when engineering, construction, and ownership are aligned and open to innovation.”