Exclusive interview with Simone Micheli, Chief Architect and Co-Founder of Simone Micheli Architectural Hero

You describe hospitality architecture as a space for guests to “feel” and not just “stay”. When you approach designing a hotel or resort, what is the first sensory impression you aim to deliver?

1. I never think of a space as a simple container, but as a living organism, capable of welcoming and, at the same time, revealing.

The first impression must be that of a place that listens and allows itself to be listened to: a luminous synthesis of matter, light, and form, where every detail exists to evoke a sense of deep, quiet, authentic well- being.

Your portfolio includes major hospitality projects. Could you walk us through a recent hotel or resort and share one design decision you believe made the biggest difference in guest experience?

I will mention two, both emblematic of my approach to design. The first is Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA in Matera, a place where architecture does not impose itself, but listens.

Here, the choice that transformed the guest experience was creating a dialogue between the primordial strength of the stone and the purity of contemporary form. I worked as if the “drop,” with its silent power, were shaping every environment: fluid lines, furnishings that seem suspended, light rising from below like a breath.

In this way, guests do not simply observe the space, they feel it flowing, perceiving it as a living organism capable of generating profound well-being. The second project is i-SUITE Hotel in Rimini, a manifesto of my vision of hospitality as a sensory, future-oriented experience.

The decisive choice here was to eliminate functional rigidity and create a continuum of organic forms where body and mind can move freely. The rooms become inhabitable sculptures, the wellness area transforms into a liquid and enveloping experience, and light builds emotional landscapes that shift over the course of the day.

I wanted guests to experience a fragment of the future, an iconic, immersive environment capable of leaving an indelible trace in memory. In both cases, the design choice that makes the difference is always the same: placing the human being at the center and shaping around them a sensorial universe that not only welcomes but elevates.

In your 1990–2021 monograph you talk about “the soul of architecture” — how has your vision of that evolved in the last few years?

Today, design must be an act of responsibility toward the planet, toward communities, toward the future. The soul of authentic architecture lies in its ability to improve human life, generating cultural and social value, not merely formal value.

Working globally (including the UAE) means navigating different cultural contexts. How do you adapt your signature style for local vernaculars while maintaining brand integrity?

Longevity in design means more than durability: it’s about lasting relevance. How do you ensure your designs don’t feel dated after just a few years?

The key is dialogue, not imitation. Every cultural context carries symbols, rituals, sensitivities: I embrace them as starting points, not final destinations.

Longevity comes from intelligent simplicity: pure forms, flexible spaces, materials capable of lasting and telling a story. I do not chase trends. A project is truly contemporary only when it already contains its own future.

For brands and manufacturers working with your studio, what’s the most important attribute you look for: innovation, material quality, service or something else?

I look for partners who share a vision: responsible innovation, respect for the process, openness to dialogue, authentic quality. Technology is essential, materials are fundamental, service is crucial.

But above all, I seek collaborators who believe that design is a cultural commitment, not merely a commercial one.

Looking back at your 30+ years in architecture, is there a project you’d revisit and do differently today— why or why not?

No. Not because I consider my past projects perfect, but because each one belongs to the time, the people, and the vision that generated it. Every work is the result of a specific moment in my research, my inner evolution, and the dialogue with a place, a client, an energy.

If you had to sum up your legacy in one sentence as you look toward the next decade, what would it be?

My works are born with the intention of transforming the complexity of our time into simplicity.

BEYOND Developments, the bold and design-led real estate developer shaping next-generation waterfront destinations in the UAE, today unveiled SIORA, its first beachfront masterplan on Dubai Islands and the company’s second large-scale community within a year. The launch underscores BEYOND’s accelerated growth and strong alignment with Dubai’s future urban vision.

Spanning over 2M square feet, SIORA is conceived as a coastal sanctuary inspired by Japanese garden philosophies, including the pursuit of Ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding purpose and fulfilment in everyday life. In this context, it reflects a philosophy of creating spaces that bring clarity, balance, and a sense of meaning, where architecture nurtures wellbeing and restores harmony between people, nature, and place.

Commenting on the launch, Adil Taqi, CEO of BEYOND Developments, said: “Since its inception in 2024, BEYOND had an exceptional journey with nine launches in 2025 that delivered opportunities for a wider audience to experience a richer and more meaningful life. Today, I am thrilled to announce the launch of SIORA, the company’s second cluster masterplan and bold new expansion into beachfront destinations, spanning over 2 million sq ft with 2.7 million sq ft of GFA on the beautiful Dubai Islands.”

“This masterplan aims to define the next generation of urban coastal living, in line with Dubai’s inspirational 2040 Urban Master Plan that puts wellbeing, walkability, and nature at the heart of community life. It embodies our vision for future waterfront living environments where where design excellence, natural beauty, and emotional connection come together to empower people to live balanced experiences and connect purposefully with nature and the community. This coastal sanctuary is inspired by Japanese garden philosophy of finding purpose and fulfilment in everyday life, and reflects closely our long-term goal to elevate human life through every space we create and in every segment we operate in,” added Taqi.

Over the past year, BEYOND has delivered nine launches, welcomed residents and investors from over 40 countries, and exceeded AED 10 billion in sales, a trajectory that reflects the company’s momentum and the market’s trust in its design-led approach.

Taqi emphasised: “SIORA represents the next phase of BEYOND’s expansion across Dubai’s coastline. It reflects our commitment to creating thoughtfully designed communities that carry lasting value and deeper meaning for a global audience. SIORA will introduce a new benchmark for waterfront living on Dubai Islands, a complete coastal ecosystem of homes, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences.”

SIORA is planned as a pedestrian coastal district where nature shapes the rhythm of daily life. More than 70 percent of the masterplan is dedicated to open green spaces, creating over 1.5M sqft of landscapes that enhance comfort and bring people closer to the coastline. Along 6 km of continuous beachfront, the sea becomes an integral part of community living and outdoor wellbeing.

Shaded routes and landscaped terraces encourage effortless movement and social connection throughout the day. These pathways introduce cooler microclimates and frame calming outlooks toward the water and the horizon, enabling a lifestyle that feels active, grounded, and innately human. And as a defining layer of placemaking, curated cultural and artistic expressions will enrich SIORA’s public realm, introducing sculptural installations influenced by Japanese aesthetics. These creative interventions will enhance the community’s identity and transform every journey through the destination into a continuously inspiring cultural experience.

Sustainability is embedded into the core of the design through three guiding natural forces inspired by Japanese garden philosophy. Kaze shapes how the community captures coastal winds to enhance natural ventilation and outdoor comfort. Mizu integrates water as a cooling and reflective element that moderates the microclimate while restoring stillness and balance. Kage governs the interplay of light and shadow, informing building orientation, shading, and materiality to reduce heat gain and create comfort naturally. Together, these principles define a coastal environment where design, nature, and sustainability operate as one.

SIORA marks the beginning of a multi-phase presence for BEYOND on Dubai Islands, reinforcing BEYOND’s role in shaping the future of Dubai’s coastline and elevating the standard for purposeful, design-led waterfront living.

Object 1 Real Estate Development, an award-winning and rapidly growing developer, has officially expanded into Abu Dhabi with the launch of its first Sales Gallery in the capital, marking a significant milestone in strengthening its presence across the UAE.

To celebrate this achievement, Object 1 hosted an exclusive networking event, “Meet & Greet: Exploring Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate Market,” at the prestigious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The event brought together over 1,000 attendees, including government officials, VIPs, leading agencies, and top brokers. Renowned media personality Kris Fade compered the evening, ensuring a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for all guests.

Tatiana Tonu, CEO of Object 1, commented, “Abu Dhabi’s market is evolving quickly, and we see tremendous potential for lifestyle-focused developments. Opening our Sales Gallery in Abu Dhabi and hosting this ‘Meet & Greet’ reflects our commitment to building deeper relationships with local partners and clients. This event provides a platform for real estate professionals to share insights, explore collaboration opportunities, and engage directly with buyers and investors.”

Looking ahead, Object 1 is committed to further growth in Abu Dhabi. The company sees the capital as one of the most promising directions for expansion. In addition to the new Sales Gallery, there are already several upcoming projects on Reem Island, supported by a dedicated team focused on delivering design-led, high-quality developments tailored to the evolving Abu Dhabi market.

Object 1 continues to build on its remarkable performance in Dubai, where it has rapidly become one of the top fifteen developers in just three years. In the first half of 2025 alone, the company recorded significant growth in both sales value and volume compared to the same period last year. Since launch, Object 1 has sold over 2,680 units and manages a development pipeline exceeding 4.5 million square feet across high-demand communities, including JVC, JVT, Al Furjan, Sports City, Jumeirah Garden City and Dubai Land Residence Complex. The company currently has 17 active, design-led projects focused on wellness, sustainability, and family- and community-centric living, creating long-term value for buyers and investors alike.

Abu Dhabi’s market fundamentals are strong, with growing buyer demand and increasing interest from high-net-worth individuals and international investors from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The emirate’s diversification strategy and attractive investment yields make it a prime market for sustainable, long-term growth. Object 1’s entry into Abu Dhabi marks the beginning of a new phase of expansion, leveraging its proven track record and design-led approach to meet the expectations of buyers and investors in the capital.