At the core of Manas’ practice lies a profound curiosity about the intersection of data, computation, and design—leveraging technology to translate urban observations into design projects, analyze complex spatial relationships, and drive meaningful societal impact.. He sees technology—not as a mere tool—but as an extension of creative intuition, a medium through which ideas are fluidly materialized and future possibilities are critically examined.
Before joining Columbia, Manas was an Associate at Ant Studio in India, leading projects across residential, institutional, and public domains. His work spans from a climate-responsive cooling system (CoolAnt) to a state war memorial park, a healthcare facility for an NGO, and a kindergarten school—each engaging with materiality, climate, and cultural specificity.
His AI-aided speculative work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Château de Lourmarin in France, and has been featured on CNN, BBC, Dezeen, Designboom, and other global platforms. He was a featured guest in Episode 06 of the PBS docuseries A Brief History of the Future and was nominated for Forbes 30 Under 30 – Class of 2024 in The Arts. Manas has also delivered guest lectures on AI and design at institutions such as OP Jindal University, the University of Toronto, and the Oxford School of Business. His expertise has led him to collaborate on commissioned projects, including Unfold: New Worlds of Fashion, a Google event in Milan, where he explored the intersection of AI, storytelling, and spatial design within the context of fashion and technology