Interview by Elena Sbokou

Κnown for his creative and functional design methods, Dr. Peter Kuczia has been at the forefront of creating environments that inspire and last.

We explore his architectural career, sustainable design philosophies, and future urban landscape vision in this conversation.

Dr. Kuczia’s viewpoints provide an engaging look into how creativity and functionality meet in contemporary architecture, regardless of your interest in design, architecture, or the craft of creating environments.

GDN: What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture, and how have your influences evolved over time?

Dr. Peter Kuczia: To be honest, when I started studying architecture, I had no idea what the job was really about. It was more the image of the architect’s profession that influenced my decision rather than any specific idea of the daily realities of the work. And perhaps that’s a good thing because, after completing my studies, the collision with reality wasn’t easy at the start of my career.

For many years, working for larger architectural offices, I mainly dealt with conceptual designs for new public buildings and competition projects. On the one hand, shaping the form of a building is highly satisfying; on the other hand, it’s always tied to tight deadlines and the constant pressure to deliver. Without convincing the client of the validity of the concept or the jurors of the value of the solution, all the conceptual work could go to waste.

As I worked in the preliminary design phase, I had no direct contact with authorities and was cut off from practical experience on construction sites. Perhaps this isn’t even a bad thing. Working in a creative field, a little bit of ignorance may have actually been beneficial for my work. Being unfamiliar with certain rules sometimes allows for a more open-minded approach and enables the discovery of unconventional problem-solving strategies.

The most important skill I’ve developed throughout my professional experience is the ability to question established solutions. The construction field is conservative, making it difficult for innovations to gain quick acceptance. With new technologies, materials, and methods constantly emerging, traditional solutions might not always be suitable for today’s demands and possibilities. What was once a reliable solution may no longer be adequate.

GDN: How would you define so far, your architectural philosophy, and how does it manifest in your projects?

P.K.: Arguably, it’s this skepticism towards conventional solutions and questioning of established standards that best defines my design approach. Every solution is born from the conditions and needs of a specific case and place, ideally making it as universal and timeless as possible.

Each of my projects usually starts with a heuristic vision that is later refined by rational requirements. At this stage, I am not interested in how others have solved similar problems, what approaches are typical or and what trends and styles exist.

If I have a new technology, I try to apply it in the most optimal way. If I have a new material, I strive to make the best use of its properties. If I have a new design tool, I look for ways it can offer advantages over traditional methods.

Of course, my approach is not without its limitations. To ensure that the direction of my thinking is correct, collaboration with specialists is necessary. Such cooperation is what elevates the chances of aiming for the best possible results.

GDN:What role do sustainability and environmental consciousness play in your work and how do you balance aesthetics and functionality when conceptualizing every project?

P.K.: Sustainability has been central to my projects since the start of my career. Having worked in this field for so long, I’ve likely gained a broader perspective along with a dose of skepticism, many supposedly “sustainable” solutions on the market aren’t truly eco-friendly. At times, sustainability becomes a pretext for product promotion or greenwashing.

Environmental consciousness often inspires me to rethink challenges, question conventional rules, and explore new directions. However, it has never been an end in itself. In some cases, sustainable solutions help persuade investors to embrace unconventional ideas. Nevertheless, the individual – the end user – remains at the heart of every project.

When it comes to balancing aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, I strive to meet functional and technical requirements as effectively as possible, but aesthetics play a decisive role. This is true even from an environmental perspective: a beautiful building is more likely to be cherished, maintained, and used for a longer period without requiring remodeling or demolition. It inspires care and longevity, which are inherently sustainable qualities.

GDN:What do you see as the future of architecture, and where do you envision your work heading in the next decade?

P.K.:It would be naive to believe that the central pursuit of architecture will forever be to minimize environmental harm, create sustainable buildings, reduce emissions, conserve energy. These are undoubtedly noble and meaningful goals, but the race to achieve them will not last indefinitely, as they will eventually become the new normal.

Working in Germany, where meeting rigorous environmental and energy standards is increasingly non-negotiable, we, as architects, are inclined to go beyond these challenges and anticipate new ones. It seems to me that I am already dealing with what I would call post-sustainable architecture.

Every dominant trend gives the impression of being final. Yet history teaches us that no trend is permanent – and today, the pace of change is even accelerating. It’s difficult to extrapolate the trajectory of current developments.

You constantly have to account for surprising innovations. Smartphones, for instance, have only been around for 18 years, cryptocurrencies for a similar period, and generative AI has emerged within just the last few years.  Can we confidently predict what the world – and architecture – will look like in five or ten years? This uncertainty is both thrilling and filled with tension.

Change is the only constant. The next decade will undoubtedly bring surprises, and I’m eager to tackle them with an open mind and a sense of adventure.

GDN: What trends or challenges do you see as pivotal for the future of architecture, and how are you positioning yourself to address them?

P.K.:I have a deep belief in progress and a strong faith in the potential of emerging technologies and materials. I expect disruptive inventions that will astonish us with their transformative impact. Many of the challenges we face today will, I believe, be resolved in the future, allowing architecture to reconnect with its core purpose: creating beautiful spaces for people.

Every time I visit your European Centre in Athens, I admire the Acropolis with its breathtaking Parthenon. It reminds me of the timeless power of beauty that transcends both time and trends.

As architects, we should aim to blend innovation with this lasting pursuit of beauty.

The future of architecture lies in balancing progress with timeless principles to create functional, tech-forward spaces that inspire.

Dr. Peter Kuczia’s SOLARLUX House Mondsee Residential Building have been awarded with a 2024 Future House Award and has been a valuable jury for this year’s Europe 40under40 Award.