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THE QUIET POWER OF ARCHITECTURE

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4 months ago

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black and white image of Simone Micheli, Chief Architect and Co-Founder of Simone Micheli Architectural Hero

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.

A professional portrait of architect Simone Micheli, the Architectural Hero, smiling and looking toward the viewer in a creative, modern interior setting.

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.

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OBJECT 1 MARKS ABU DHABI ENTRY WITH LAUNCH OF A1LA RESIDENCE ON AL REEM ISLAND

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9 hours ago

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April 17, 2026

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Object 1 has officially announced its first residential development in Abu Dhabi, A1LA Residence, marking a major milestone in the company’s expansion into the capital. The launch positions Object 1 as a long-term participant in Abu Dhabi’s property market, entering with a project shaped by end-user relevance, investment credibility, and a clear commitment to building for the Emirate’s future.

Located on Al Reem Island, A1LA Residence will comprise 171 units, including one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a limited collection of two- and three-bedroom duplexes across 17 residential floors. The project spans approximately 247,022 sq ft of built-up area, with handover scheduled for Q4 2028. The development is designed around three levels of world-class amenities, including a sky pool on the 17th floor, cinema, clubhouse, gym, yoga and pilates room, BBQ area, games room, kids’ play areas, outdoor sports zones, and landscaped social spaces, creating a more layered offering for modern urban living.

The launch forms part of Object 1’s wider Abu Dhabi strategy, following the developer’s acquisition of four waterfront plots on Al Reem Island spanning more than 2 million sq ft, with a combined project value of AED 4.5 billion. This reflects a long-term view of Abu Dhabi as a market defined by institutional strength, sustainable growth, and rising demand for well-positioned residential communities.

A1LA Residence is positioned on Al Reem Island, one of Abu Dhabi’s most established investment and residential districts, in close proximity to Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the emirate’s leading financial free zone. The area has consistently ranked among Abu Dhabi’s top three districts for return on investment, recording the strongest annual price growth in 2025 at 45%, while sales volume more than tripled year on year. Al Reem Island’s rental yields are also widely tracked in the 6 to 8% range, reinforcing its appeal to both end-users and income-focused investors. It offers efficient access to Downtown Abu Dhabi and close connectivity to Saadiyat Island’s cultural and leisure destinations.

This launch comes as Abu Dhabi’s real estate market continues to strengthen in both performance and regulation. The Emirate recorded AED 142 billion in real estate transactions across 42,800+ deals in 2025, up 44% in value and 52% in volume year on year. Recent regulatory changes have further strengthened governance, transparency, and investor protections across the sector, providing the market with a clearer, more secure framework for continued growth.

Tatiana Tonu, CEO of Object 1, said: “Our decision to enter Abu Dhabi is based on long-term conviction. We are not approaching the Emirate as an opportunistic market cycle play, but as a developer committed to building residential projects that hold their value over time, serve real communities, and reflect the standards of a capital that is planning decades ahead. A1LA Residence brings together a proven location, clear market fundamentals, and a development strategy grounded in reliability, quality, and long-term relevance. As Abu Dhabi advances under Economic Vision 2030, we see strong alignment between the emirate’s direction and the kind of projects we want to deliver.”

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ELEVATE AWARDS AED 50 MILLION CONTRACT FOR MONDRIAN AL MARJAN ISLAND BEACH RESIDENCES

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2 days ago

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April 15, 2026

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ELEVATE has officially awarded an AED 50 million contract to Pinnacle Piling for the piling and foundation works package at Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, marking another major construction milestone for the landmark beachfront development in Ras Al Khaimah.

The appointment reflects continued momentum on site, with shoring works already completed and the project progressing ahead of its construction programme. The award signals ELEVATE’s continued confidence in both the long-term fundamentals of the UAE real estate market and the exceptional growth trajectory of Al Marjan Island as one of the region’s most important emerging leisure and luxury destinations.

Zeeshaan Shah, Founder & Chairman of ELEVATE, said, “We were the fastest-selling project on the island and now we are setting the pace in construction too. That is exactly how we want to be judged – the strength of both our vision and our execution.”

“We remain as confident as ever in the UAE, in Ras Al Khaimah, and in the long-term future of Al Marjan Island. We are deeply grateful to the UAE’s leadership for continuing to create an environment that inspires confidence, enables ambition and allows long-term visions to be realised.”

“Our focus is simple: keep leading, keep building and continue delivering on the trust the market has placed in us.”

Pinnacle Piling brings more than 35 years of specialist geotechnical and foundation expertise to the project, having delivered some of the region’s most technically demanding developments.

Sai Kumar, Chairman and Owner of Pinnacle Piling, said, “We are proud to continue our partnership with ELEVATE on Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences and to play a key role in delivering this landmark development. The project has progressed strongly on site, with the shoring phase now successfully completed and our teams fully mobilised.”

“ELEVATE has moved with impressive speed and clarity, and we are committed to maintaining that momentum while delivering to the highest standards of safety, quality and execution.”

The project continues to attract strong market demand following the successful sell-out of Phase 1 and robust interest in Phase 2. Set on the shores of Al Marjan Island, the AED 1.8 billion Mondrian-branded beachfront development forms part of ELEVATE’s broader vision to deliver design-led, hospitality-driven living experiences in some of the region’s most compelling growth destinations.

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NATUZZI ITALIA HONORS THE MEDITERRANEAN SOUL THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ITALIAN DESIGN THIS EARTH DAY

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2 days ago

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April 15, 2026

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Harmonizing Italian Luxury and Sustainability for Earth Day 2026

Dubai, UAE — April 2026 – This Earth Day, Natuzzi Italia, the world’s most renowned Italian lifestyle brand, reaffirms its deep-rooted connection to the Mediterranean landscape by showcasing a collection defined by Eco-innovation, Bio-materials, and Circular Design.

For Natuzzi Italia sustainability is a pursuit of harmony—meeting the needs of the present without compromising the beauty of the future. This year’s Earth Day highlights feature collaborations with visionary designers to bring earth-conscious living to the forefront of luxury interiors.

Sustainable Innovation & Collaborative Design

The Wash Less Project by Fabio Novembre: A pioneering collaboration with Whirlpool, this project reinterprets the traditional valet stand into a harmonious, circular design. Built with a sturdy painted steel structure and upholstered in Ecoplen fabric produced entirely from recycled materials—this piece encourages sustainability by keeping clothes fresh and reducing unnecessary water consumption through its innovative “wash less” philosophy.

Ombra Dining Table by Claudio Bellini: A sculptural masterpiece that merges industrial strength with organic ethics. The asymmetrical legs are hand-troweled using Bio-mortar (Bio Malta), an eco-sustainable and bio-compatible finish crafted from natural elements including quartz, terracotta dust, marble, and mother of pearl. This concrete-effect innovation proves that monumental design can be achieved through earth-friendly chemistry.

Colle Sofa by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG): Inspired by the soft, hospitable silhouettes of early Natuzzi models, Colle captures the effortless relaxation of Mediterranean life. Beyond its visual comfort, it features Eco-friendly padding made from microcellular polyurethane foam derived from renewable plant-based raw materials, ensuring your comfort is grounded in nature.

Artisanal Craftsmanship & Natural Fibers

Papel Rug by Ar-o Studio: A collection of loom-woven rugs crafted from FSC and PEFC-certified paper yarns. This natural, sustainable material is treated with an industrial dirt-repellent film that prevents absorption, ensuring longevity and ease of care without the use of harsh chemicals. Each rug is a testament to the beauty of handmade, biodegradable fibers.

Silo Vases by Marcel Wanders: These hand-made terracotta urns are crafted by master ceramists in the Salento area, honoring ancient Italian traditions. Featuring glazed interiors and rustic rope handles, the Silo collection celebrates the raw, earthen beauty of clay—a material that is as timeless as it is sustainable.

Pumo Lukky by Lorenza Bozzoli: A reinvention of the traditional Apulian good luck charm. Bozzoli dresses the wooden-framed Pumo in vibrant viscose cords and brass details, blending fashion-forward textures with a structural commitment to natural materials.

Explore the Earth Day collections at Natuzzi Italia showrooms on Sheikh Zayed Road and beyond, where every piece tells a story of respect for the environment.

Natuzzi Italia showrooms or online.

•        Natuzzi, Sheikh Zayed Road between 2nd and 3rd interchange, Dubai

•        Natuzzi, near Al Maktoum Bridge, Umm Hurair Road, Dubai

•        Natuzzi, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi

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