We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Christos Pavlou ("CP").
Christos Pavlou Architecture studio listens, searches, learns, designs. They are aware of and sensible to the environment, the land parameters, the specific site views, the climate conditions and the needs of our customers. Their projects are distinguished by their formal simplicity, the integration of inside-outside, the contrasting realities and the in-between zones. Studio's architecture is driven by the need of solving a complex program in a simple and clear manner. The language is based on define, simple forms aiming to express the collective memory of a specific culture. Having said that forms do not always provide ready-made solutions but they are rediscovered during the design process. It is a stage by stage approach which allows the build up of different special relationships and smooth transitions between spaces. Energy efficiency, automation technology, sustainability and ecological designs are part of their working procedure. The office has been awarded with the state architecture award 2019 by the president of Cyprus in the category of outstanding architecture.
Christos Pavlou Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Christos Pavlou.
Christos Pavlou Design - Courtyards House
Christos Pavlou Design - The Linear House
Christos Pavlou Design - Garden House
Designer Interview of Christos Pavlou:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
CP : Since I was 11 i wanted to be an architect although I had no idea what an architect does exactly. Although I was never brilliant in drawing I really loved all kinds of arts and handicrafts. Before entering Manchester University to study architecture I attended a part time art course at Brighton College of Technology in UK.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
CP : Christos Pavlou architecture studio was founded by Christos Pavlou in 2003 and is based in Nicosia, Cyprus. Although a small studio we do know how to take care of our clients in a very personal and friendly manner. Our practise is focused on housing, single residents, commercial as well as interior architecture. We listen, we search, we learn, we design. We are aware of and sensible to the environment, the land parameters, the specific site views, the climate conditions and the needs of our customers. Our designs are distinguished by their formal simplicity, the integration of inside-outside, the contrasting realities and the in-between zones they create. The studio has been awarded the Cyprus state architecture 1st prize award 2019 by the president of Cyprus in the category of outstanding architecture and is a nominee for the European Union Mies Van Der Rohe award 2021, Barcelona. Other selective awards include German design award winner 2020, A+Architizer awards 2020, USA ( Jury and popular choice winner) and the Golden A’ design award and competition 2020 Italy.
DI: What is "design" for you?
CP : Design in architecture is a process of discovering and exploration. It is a stage by stage approach which allows the build-up of different special relationships driven by the need of solving complex problems in a simple way which will benefit the user and the society at large.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
CP : The garden house in the city is my favour design. Architecture and the city is a long discussed relationship but always on the front line for research and exploration. Architecture may upgrade and improve living conditions within the urban fabric. Our garden house in the city explores relationships between the private, the public and the in-between spaces which may promote a greener and healthier city environment. Bringing nature back to the city although not a new idea it is a growing imperative especially for cities like Nicosia which has failed to make greenery and communal public areas a priority in its urban planning. A house that brings nature back to the city, promoting shared spaces and social dialogue between its residents is what inspired us to design the ‘’garden house’’. Our design emphasises the potential for private urban gardens and the microclimates they create to improve living conditions within cities and slow global warming.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
CP : It was an interior design for a shop.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
CP : White plastered solid wall.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
CP : Dealing with a complex problem is the driving force behind creativity. Searching for a solution and experimenting with various alternatives is what inspires me most.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
CP : The relationship of a building with its surroundings and the need to incorporate nature in the early stages of the design is of a vital importance of our creative approach.
DI: What makes a design successful?
CP : Solid and clear concept is the fundamental element that drives a successful design from start to finish. You need to have something to say and defend the big idea behind your design. The concept must be the source of your inspiration during the design process.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
CP : I am looking to see whether the initial goals and demands of the programme have been met in a creative and simplify way. To design something simple and make it look magnificent is a hard task.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
CP : Sustainability and our relationship with nature is the future of design. Buildings will need to incorporate nature in their designs in new and creative ways. Our planet needs our help to slow global warming; architecture can play an important part creating microclimates that will improve living conditions within cities.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
CP : I love using typologies, primary, define forms such as the square, the rectangle, the circle, the square etc. This is my initial approach to design but these volumes are not ready-made solutions but they are rediscovered during the design process and transformed in a way that they must provide spaces according the needs of the user. Contrasting realities like inside-outside, open-solid, light-dark etc. and the in-between spaces are the materials of my architecture. My design approach is very much inspired by the work and theory of the architects Aldo Rossi and Aldo Van Eyck.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
CP : I do the conceptual sketches and final detailing myself.
DI: How can people contact you?
CP : They can contact me through my blog – www.chrispaularchstudio.wordpress.com My Facebook page - Christos.pavlou.77@facebook.com My email – cpa@netmail.com.cy