LIGHTING INSTALLATION CONTEST 2025 by HUB Lighting & Innovation by KAFKAS
Interview with Olga Chioti | Winner of the INTRA Lighting installation
How did you experience your participation in the contest? What excited you most about the process?
Participating in the contest was a deeply creative experience and, at the same time, a meaningful personal challenge, as it was the first competition I had ever entered. For the first time, I allowed an idea to stand on its own, to be tested and to communicate directly with an audience. What excited me most was the freedom to experiment, to translate emotion into space and form, and to tell a story through light. Each stage of the process became a journey of self-discovery, where light acted as a language expressing evolution, continuity and identity. It was not simply a competition, but a creative dialogue with people who share the same passion.
From KAFKAS’ 50-year successful journey, which elements inspired your project?
KAFKAS’ 50-year journey was a profound source of inspiration for me, a journey of light that bridges the past with the future. I wanted the showcase installation to convey timelessness and the purity of light as a symbol of evolution and renewal. The white background and geometric lines function as a language of balance and continuity, while the typography “50 YEARS OF LIGHT” gains its voice through light itself. The greatest challenge was to unite words and light, so that light would not merely describe the message, but embody it—becoming both experience and meaning.
Were there challenges during the design process, and how did you arrive at the final form of the project?
The design process unfolded naturally, almost intuitively as if the form of the project already existed within me and simply needed to be illuminated. There were no real obstacles, only moments of reflection in search of balance between logic and emotion. The concept emerged from a clear idea: light as a message. From that point on, everything evolved organically. It was a creative flow without resistance, reminding me that when inspiration is sincere, design is not a struggle—it is a revelation.
How did you feel when you saw your work revealed in the HUB showcase?
Seeing the showcase illuminated for the first time was a truly special moment. The project acquired presence and form within the space, and the light seemed to organise itself and narrate its own story. I felt emotion, joy and gratitude—as though something deeply personal had taken physical form. It was the moment when my effort and my love for design came together as a lived experience.
What does this award mean to you, and how do you believe it will influence your future path in architecture?
This award holds particular significance for me, as it recognises work created with dedication and passion for light and design. It inspires me to continue exploring how light shapes space and influences human experience, something I consider fundamental to architecture. I am deeply grateful to HUB and KAFKAS for the opportunity to present my work through an institution that genuinely supports and promotes the next generation of designers.
How would you describe your experience of the trip you won, hosted by INTRA Lighting, one of the most premium international lighting brands and a strategic partner of HUB? What impressed you most?
The trip to Slovenia and the visit to INTRA Lighting’s facilities was a unique experience. The hospitality and the opportunity to observe firsthand how a luminaire is conceived, produced and ultimately experienced within space were profoundly inspiring. Touring the factory, engaging in discussions with the people behind the products, and sensing the passion embedded in every stage of production highlighted the precision and care inherent in their design philosophy. What impressed me most was the harmony of the production process and the small yet decisive details that truly make the difference. It was a meaningful journey filled with light, knowledge and memorable moments.
The trip also allowed you to exchange ideas with established lighting designers and representatives of leading international companies. What added value did this bring to you?
Engaging with accomplished lighting designers and representatives of leading companies offered new perspectives on light and spatial design. It was both an inspirational and a practical learning experience, demonstrating how attention to detail and innovation can transform a lighting product into a complete experience.
What do you value most from your collaboration with the HUB team?
What stands out most from my collaboration with HUB is the human character of the team and their genuine, hands-on support at every stage of the process. Their interest extends beyond the final outcome; it embraces the concept, the process and the entire creative journey.
How important do you consider the support provided by companies such as KAFKAS and HUB to emerging designers through initiatives like this?
This experience demonstrated how vital it is to have platforms where emerging designers can dream, experiment and evolve without limitations. Through the approach and commitment of KAFKAS and HUB, the phrase “light for all” gains real meaning and becomes a source of inspiration for everyone involved. I would like to sincerely thank the entire HUB and KAFKAS team for their collaboration and support. I feel deeply grateful for the experience and for the opportunity to be part of this creative journey.
Read more about the HUB Lighting Installation Contest 2025 here.
