Research notes for project planning
What the project record tells us
Collaborative audio-reactive installation led by Rob Jensen and co-created with Warren Trezevant.
Audio becomes a spatial sequence along the arches
Sonic Runway converts live audio into patterns that travel along a corridor of illuminated arches at the speed of sound. The project’s own description explains how the experience changes with position: at one end the pattern moves away, while at the far end it approaches in time with the arriving beat. Each arch is described as carrying 554 addressable LEDs. For a proposed site, a planner should ask how the audio source, entry points and walking direction will make that relationship understandable to visitors.
Sonic Runway — official project description ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-10
For your project briefHow will sound placement, entrances and walking direction make the spatial timing legible?
Big Art Partners planning prompt Temporary 2017–2018 presentation followed by a newly fabricated 2021 multiyear version.
A temporary presentation led to a rebuilt version
San José’s public-art record credits Rob Jensen as lead artist, Warren Trezevant as co-lead and Stockhausen for design on Sonic Runway. After the initial November 2017–March 2018 City Hall presentation through Playa to Paseo, a new version was engineered and fabricated for a multiyear installation in 2021. The city also identifies ongoing lighting programming and performer activation. A buyer should ask which components need redesign for the intended lifespan, and who will support both the physical installation and the evolving public program.
City of San José Public Art Program — Sonic Runway ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-10
For your project briefWhich components require redesign for the proposed lifespan, and who sustains public programming?
Big Art Partners planning prompt Documented 2018 Burning Man configuration and expanded nightly performance invitation.
A larger configuration expanded the performance program
The Sonic Runway team documents its 2018 Burning Man return as a thirty-two-arch installation extending a quarter mile, with twice as many LEDs as before and a new way to trigger patterns. That presentation also opened a nightly slot to musicians beyond the sound art cars traditionally hosted by the work. The example joins a physical revision to a programming change. For a festival brief, a planner should ask how performers access the system, how changes are rehearsed and how audience circulation works during scheduled sets.
Sonic Runway — project news archive ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-10
For your project briefHow will performer access, rehearsal and audience circulation work during scheduled sets?
Big Art Partners planning prompt 
