Interviews with Niko Kapa
Designer profileDesign Interview
26 August 2025 · Arc Bioclimatic Pergola
Combining tradition and modernity, technology and design, pergola is inspired by ‘Loggia’ - a distinctive architectural element of Mediterranean environment of open-air living. The arcade surrounding traditional atrium, a focal point of vernacular architecture suggests a feature that serves as transition space among indoor and out of doors, providing shade and adjustment to sunlight especially in hot climates.
The pergola lets occupants adjust natural lighting and air circulation, enabling them to enjoy outdoors in the greatest climate comfort. Ceiling composition filters light through during daytime, creating a relaxing and reflective atmosphere for users.
I hope to be able to proceed with its detailed development that will allow its manufacturing and commercialisation.
The design started in early 2023 and was fully completed in 2024.
The design was prepared as an entry to China Hardware Products International Design Competition.
This is a concept design for which I hold the full rights. I believe in its originality and purpose and I hope that it can be produced.
My interest in sustainable structures. Overall arrangement works as a composition which provides shade and glare protection against the harsh sun, while promoting natural airflow so as to improve energy efficiency and create spaces of increased comfort.
I was particularly inspired by open structures of the Mediterranean and Italian design.
The wider public, since design offers numerous possibilities to align with the architecture and surroundings, with applications ranging from private homes as well as public environments, hotels, restaurants, cafés and outdoor working and recreation sites.
I think is its transformative nature. Functionality defines the aesthetics, using new techniques to reinterpret eternal themes in an attempt to synthesize spatial quality through specific architectural gestures. Open to the elements, external space is protected by a canopy that creates a microclimate.
Design is inspired from traditional arched structures that cover open spaces.
I used BIM software and scale models.
I consider the most unique aspect of the design to be its versatility. Combining modern design with simplicity of shape, curves and crisp lines define a layout adjusting elegantly into any architectural context while permitting occupants to enjoy outdoor spaces regardless of weather conditions all year round.
I always collaborate with technical advisors for my projects in order to evaluate the engineering aspects of the design and optimise constructability. Structural and mechanical engineers have provided their valuable assistance in the development of the particular proposal.
Technology plays a very important role in the particular design. With its motorised functionality it is designed to furnish sheltering, shade and waterproof enclosure with an incorporated water drainage system.
Design belongs to a wider research on transformative structures. Observation is one of the key elements of my practice.
Since this is not a realised concept but only a design idea, the main challenge has to do with the extensive research on finding the appropriate materials and techniques that will allow this idea to proceed further.
The China Hardware Products International Design Competition is one of the most credible competitions in the field of product design, giving the chance to young designers promoting fresh and original ideas for possible commercialisation.
I truly value the expertise gained collaborating with professionals in the field of specific modular structures.
Thank you very much.
Designer Interview
12 August 2015
I became an Architect because I like architecture.
I am a freelancer.
To design is to put things in order.
Anything that has a function.
Mycenaean "Lion Hunt" dagger (1600-1100 B.C.). The depiction of the lion hunt highlights the function of the dagger.
A poster.
A black pen and A4 scrap.
When working under limitations.
Functionality.
Frustration.
Frustration.
The satisfaction of the user.
Innovation and functionality.
To improve people's lives.
Design is evolving hand in hand with evolution in technology.
In 2014. In Dubai.
My inspiration comes from bad design. Examination of bad design gives you the opportunity to improve it.
Personal style limits creativity. Engineers don't need a personal style.
I live in Dubai. I am Greek. The cultural heritage of my country inevitably affects my design attitude.
Excellent.
By checking the designer's portfolio.
Trial and error.
5 tea cups
No. It is very complex to be put into words.
I am too inexperienced to make suggestions.
Positive - My perception of the importance of my profession.
Negative - Other's perception of the importance of my profession.
Negative - Other's perception of the importance of my profession.
Research before designing.
Curiosity, discipline and hard work.
Pens, markers and BIM.
Time manages my work.
Between 1 month and 10 years.
"Do you think this is beautiful?".
When I worked very hard for a design that was rejected.
Don't wish to disclose.
Buildings and everyday objects. It is interesting to investigate complexity in different scales.
I have no idea.
Depends on the scale of the project.
If it is not final, it shouldn't be disclosed.
Through mob. or e-mail.
No. Completely covered.