Vellachi Ganesan
Founder
Studio Jyothi (Studio of Light)
Vellachi Ganesan is a designer, artist, and educator who has worked internationally with light for over a decade. Founder of Studio Jyothi (Studio of Light), she explores the poetic, technical, and healing qualities of light while also advocating for the preservation of dark skies. Her work includes global light installations, responsible lighting design, and teaching Dark Sky Studies at the University of Utah, where she inspires communities to engage thoughtfully with light and darkness in shaping healthier environments.
Session(s):
A Way Forward: Urban Design Roles, Tools, and Imaginations »
2025 APA UT Fall Conference, October 9, 2025 1:45 pmUrban design practice is changing rapidly, and planners are part of that shift. This session explores the expanding definition of the “urban designer” to include planners, policymakers, data scientists, and community advocates. Panelists will share how they’re integrating regenerative design, DEI commitments, and emerging technologies to harness the power of public imagination in shaping future-ready cities. Participants will reflect on their roles as “indirect designers” and consider how their work informs the design of the city, whether through zoning, infrastructure investment, or community engagement. It’s time to embrace design as a shared responsibility—and a powerful tool for change.
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