By William Jennings

Vignesh Hari Krishnan had always been intrigued by New York City. The bright lights and bustling streets, the vibrant energy that leads to so much creation. This makes it all the more ironic that the first time he came to the city of his fascination, it was closed for COVID. Despite the eerie silence of the streets, Vignesh thought the city felt familiar.

Vignesh, who grew up in Chennai, India, studied architecture before transitioning into a more design focus. Consistent throughout his journey has been his ability to create spaces and experiences “across all scales- cities, buildings, objects, and now the digital realm.” From the physical to the digital, Vignesh currently works as a product designer, finding ways to create digital solutions that make our lives easier.

Despite arriving in New York when it was at its quietest during COVID, he felt an instant connection. “Its silence mirrored the lockdowns in my hometown of Chennai, reminding me of how connected we are all despite the miles that separate us.” This “closed” New York allowed Vignesh to discover the city in a different way, enjoying the wide open spaces and urban design.

“I have always been fascinated by the invisible layers of the city,” begins the product designer. “The systems, stories, and connections inherent in everyday life, like the subway. Vignesh digs into these layers, researching how people interact with their surroundings and the living network they create. 

The trip to New York was his first foray across the Atlantic, but it made a lasting impression. He attended The Yale School of Architecture, where he pursued a Masters of Architecture and Design. During his time at the prestigious University, the Chennai-born designer was able to contribute to Housing Redux, which is a book exploring innovative ways to reinvent public housing in New York City.

Vignesh was able to help reimagine the Washington Houses in East Harlem. Through collaboration with other students as well as housing developer Nnenna Lynch and architects Jamie von Klemper and Hana Kaassem, he was tasked with integrating urban farms, recreation spaces, and community facilities. For Vignesh, this was a fulfilling project, as “it reinforced my belief that design can address systemic challenges while fostering connection and belonging.”

The product designer is no stranger to trying to enrich the lives of those around him. During NYCxDESIGN, he developed Street Magnet Poetry, which is an interactive art installation with locations around the city. “Inspired by the intimacy of fridge magnets, this installation encouraged people to create and share poetry on the city streets, connecting them to their surroundings and to one another.”

At the heart of Vignesh’s work is connection and trying to uncover the unseen. Through his physical and digital work, he is creating design experiences that resonate on the human level. Through finding unique ways of using underutilized spaces in New York City, or making it easier to navigate through the Vitality Group’s website his goal is to enrich the lives of as many people as he can.

Ultimately his journey has taken him to the exact place he needs to be. After coming to New York at its least connected time, Vignesh was able to see it for all its glory. “The interactions that happen daily and the unseen connections are so intriguing,” he hopes to continue to explore them and find ways to enhance these experiences.

While a long way from Chennai, Vignesh will never stop giving back and caring about tradition. Currently working on a collaboration with Designers Sanjana and Sangavi, founders of Branded Bats, he is exploring traditional weaving practices. “This study aims to develop thoughtfully curated artistic exhibits in the United States, showcasing the rich heritage and stories of our weavers through their authentic, unfiltered voices.

While New York was the inspiration, connection is the ultimate goal for Vignesh. Looking to always inspire and uplift, we look forward to watching his continued progress. He sums it up perfectly in his own words, “my work is rooted in the belief that design can inspire connection, address challenges, and reveal the beauty of the invisible layers that bind us all.”

Published By Gracia M.