Trace is an interactive public art installation created for the pedestrian bridge surrounding Tulsa’s Center of the Universe. Developed in collaboration with artist Grace Grothaus, the work transforms the walkway into a responsive field of illuminated pavers that react dynamically to the movement of pedestrians crossing the bridge.

Hundreds of custom LED pavers were individually cast in resin and embedded throughout the circular walkway. As visitors move across the bridge, the illuminated pavers respond to footsteps by pulsing bright blue light through the installation. Moments later, the light echoes back through the system, creating a temporary visual trace of the movement of people who passed through the space before.

Powered by integrated solar charging systems, the installation operated nightly as a continuously evolving interactive environment within the public space. Originally intended as a temporary one-year installation, the project remained active far longer than anticipated due to its popularity and continued public engagement.

The project explored memory, movement, and collective participation through light, using custom electronics and responsive behavior to transform a familiar urban landmark into an interactive public experience.