For the Manhattanville Bus Depot, Tomo Mori designed "The Wheels on the Bus," which consists of 10 glass panels and a metal sculptural piece. The artist created giant wheels for the main entrance of the depot, inspired by MTA buses and the people who keep New York City moving.

Determining the most effective fabrication method was intensive; the final piece incorporates three layers of mirrors, vibrant colors, and metallic foils. The laminated glass artwork can be viewed and enjoyed both inside and outside of the facility. The metal sculpture connects with the sections of the glass to continue the design of the wheels, creating a unique interplay. The sculpture includes various finishes and careful details of bolts and nuts that are intended to evoke actual bus wheels.

Buses are an important part of the Harlem community, and the depot building plays an important role in ensuring riders are well-served. The oversized wheels create a bold impact for the entrance, symbolizing movement, while the multi-colored patterns are representative of the diversity of the community. Mori created the original colorful artwork through layers of watercolor and was inspired by patterns of fabrics from various parts of the world. The multidimensional textures and colors depict emotions of people as well as connections within the community and the city. 

Tomo Mori / 毛利友 was born in the countryside of Osaka, Japan. She studied traditional painting and drawing (western and Japanese) at Tokyo Metropolitan High School for Art and graduated from Atlanta College of Art with a BFA. Mori’s work has been exhibited in New York, Georgia, Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Switzerland, and Tokyo. Public art is a large focus of her practice, and Mori has completed public mural commissions for the Laundromat Project, East Harlem Cafe, Wix Lounge, West Harlem Art Fund, and Columbia University's Miller Theatre.