Structural Engineering for “The Ripple” – MLK Jr. Bronze Statue in Winter Park, FL
July 23, 2025 · Enrique Lairet, PE
Structural Engineering for “The Ripple” – MLK Jr. Bronze Statue in Winter Park, FL
Celebrating Legacy Through Public Art | Designed for Safety, Endurance, and Impact
Project Overview
Oasis Engineering was proud to provide structural engineering services for The Ripple—a 9-foot bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., permanently installed at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Winter Park, Florida. Sculpted by renowned artists Andrew Luy and Ann Moeller, the piece was unveiled during the city’s Annual Unity Heritage Festival in July 2025.
Our Role
We were engaged to design the structural foundation and anchoring system for the statue. Our scope included:
- Structural analysis of the statue’s weight and wind load
- Foundation design for a custom concrete pedestal and slab
- Anchorage detailing for marble elements
- Coordination with the fabricator, artist team, and local building officials
- Florida Building Code compliance (Wind Calculations / 2023 FBC)
Our goal was to ensure long-term structural integrity while preserving the artistic intent of the installation.
Cultural Impact
The Ripple symbolizes the enduring influence of Dr. King’s words:
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
The installation serves as both a monument and a gathering space for community reflection and unity.
In the News
- RocketCityNow.com – Statue Rooted in Huntsville Now on Display at Florida Park
- HvilleBlast – Honoring MLK Through Art and Engineering
Engineer’s Note
“It was an honor to support the vision behind The Ripple. Our role was to bring technical strength to a meaningful public symbol—and ensure that it stands tall for generations to come.”
— Enrique Lairet, PE, Principal Engineer
Project Details
- Location: Winter Park, FL
- Completed: July 2025
- Client: City of Winter Park / Public Artist Collaboration
- Services Provided: Structural engineering, pedestal foundation design, anchoring system, permitting support
- Materials: Bronze sculpture, concrete pedestal, stainless steel anchor rods
- Height: 9 feet
Related
