Arc Bioclimatic Pergola by Niko Kapa

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

NK : 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.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

NK : 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.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

NK : I hope to be able to proceed with its detailed development that will allow its manufacturing and commercialisation.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

NK : The design started in early 2023 and was fully completed in 2024.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

NK : The design was prepared as an entry to China Hardware Products International Design Competition.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

NK : 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.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

NK : 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.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

NK : I was particularly inspired by open structures of the Mediterranean and Italian design.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

NK : 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.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

NK : 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.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

NK : Design is inspired from traditional arched structures that cover open spaces.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

NK : I used BIM software and scale models.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

NK : 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.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

NK : 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.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

NK : 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.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

NK : Design belongs to a wider research on transformative structures. Observation is one of the key elements of my practice.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

NK : 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.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

NK : 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.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

NK : I truly value the expertise gained collaborating with professionals in the field of specific modular structures.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

NK : Thank you very much.