“The integration of glass into a structure means also acknowledging security, safety, transmission of light, incorporation of an identifying icons, and aiding traffic flow into the building spaces. Creating works for architectural commissions incorporates characteristics of the location and designated use of the building.”
CHRONOLOGY
2022
MANAHATTA and WIND TOWER
Inspired by the evolving geological formations of Manhattan Island, Tom Patti’s MANAHATTA and WINDTOWER reflect the forces that have shaped both the natural and built environment.
MANAHATTA, a twelve-foot vertical glass mural, explores the elemental relationships between earth, water, air, and time. Layering geological and cultural history, it pays tribute to the Lenape people—who called the island Manahatta, meaning “hilly land”—and presents a transparent overlay of past and present events that shaped the land now known as NoMad.
WINDTOWER, a kinetic metal sculpture suspended in the Madison House lobby, is activated by the building’s airflow system. Anchored by thin cables from ceiling to floor, it creates a slow, rotational motion—visible from street level to interior spaces. Its elegant movement and spatial presence offer a signature experience of style, energy, and discovery.
2019
VILLA LULA | COSMIC TRILOGY
“Echoes of Light Over Cannes” is site-specific, defined by: LAND (roads, pathways, stone walls, channels), water and sky; WATER (Mediterranean Sea meets the coastal land edge); and SKY (star constellations over the Cannes region viewed from Villa Lula on Bastille Day 1789). All are re-imagined as one. The artwork is a cosmic trilogy - a series of three dramas created as one artwork in two parts specific to the artwork location.
2013
PERIODIC MOTION
Hi performance artglass windscreen along the North and South walls of the transit building.
Oakland Airport Connector (OAC) Commissioning Agency: Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Project Partners: Flatiron/Parsons, Turner Construction
2012
ECHOES IN SPACE and VELOCITY ECHO
A security glass artwall juxtaposes the geometric and the organic, the industrial and the natural, that reflects the artist's personal history and the history of the Berkshires.
Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, MA Commissioning Agency: Berkshire Museum Project Partners: Oliver Osterwind, J Berkowitz
2010
MIAMI RAIN
A monumental sculptural wall that animates a daylight pattern of spectral color moving across the building as the sun transverses the sky. The artwork is a gateway to the arts district of Miami.
Marquis Building Commissioning Agency: Africa-Israel (AFI) Project Partners: Arquitectonica, Buro Happold, Israel Berger & Associates (IBA)
2010
2007
FLIGHT DIALOGUE
A structurally integrated glass band 320' in length, comprised of high performance level two security glasses.
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) Terminal D, NC Commissioning Agency: Arts & Science Council (ASC) Project Partners: LS3P Associates LTD, Binswanger Glass
2006
TOME
A free standing sculpture with a tactile glass surface that is a visual metaphor for the turning of the page and the weaving of words and ideas.
Eric Carle Museum of Picturebook Art in Amherst, Massachusetts Commissioning Agency: Juster Pope Frazier Architects, ECMPA Project Partners: Helen and Peter Bing
2005
MORTON SQUARE
Artwork was integrated within townhouse entrances, marquee, vestibule, lobby walls, and glass light sculptures.
A full city block building along the waterfront in Greenwich Village Commissioning Agency: JD Carlisle Project Partners: Philip Koether Architects, Buro Happold, Oehme, van Sweden & Associates, Focus Lighting
2005
NIGHT PASSAGE
12'H X 60'W hi performance artglass headhouse wall and 7 triptychs along windscreen.
Roosevelt Avenue Intermodel Station, Queens, NY Commissioning Agency: MTA ARTS for Transit, NYC Project Partners: FX Fowle, Slattery/Skanska, ABS
2001
SPATIAL BOUNDARY
A site-line specific art wall entrance that serves a dual purpose as an aesthetic experience and a functional security solution.
Private Residence Commissioning Agency: Mr. and Mrs. Graham Gund Project Partners: Gund Partnership, Ipswich Bay Glass
2000
SPECTRAL-LUMA ELLIPSE
West Wing entrance wall, the work created an interactive experience of change for viewers entering the gallery.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA Commissioning Agency: Museum of Fine Arts Project Partners: IM Pei, Ipswich Bay Glass
1999
CAR0LINA ROTUNDA LITES
University of North Carolina Law School, Chapel Hill, NC
SPECTRAL BOUNDARY
Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, North Carolina
1998
OWENS CORNING HEADQUARTERS
An integrated art collaboration using Owens Corning glass fibers was created throughout the building.
Owens Corning World Headquarters, Toledo, OH Commissioning Agency: Owens Corning, Toledo Lucas County Port Authority Project Partners: Cesar Pelli, Hines Interest, Turner Construction TOM PATTI
1993
PARTICLE WALL
Private Residence
Seattle, WA
1989-1992
SANTA FE WINDOWS
Snake Wall and Arroyo Door / Private Residence
Santa Fe, NM
1982-1984
GENIC DORAN DIVIDER SENTINEL
General Electric Co, Pittsfield, MA