Greek design – thousands of years in the making

In response to Jim Davies’ despair of poor design while on summer holiday (Private View, DW 21 September).

Greek plumbing is designed with narrow diameter pipes to prevent fresh water wastage into septic tanks. Water is Greece’s most precious commodity. The bidet and shower are designed to clean the arse hygienically. Greek houses are designed surrounded by trees, painted white and boarded with thick shutters. The design keeps them cool. No need for air-conditioning units pumping out pollution and wasting electricity.

Greek cafés are designed as pleasant environments to drink coffee in – without the need of a kettle. It takes thousands of years to create design this subtle.

Carlo Nicolaou, C Nicolaou Associates, London N11