In the modern world of architecture and design, few names stand as prominently as Simone Micheli’s. Known for his fusion of minimalism with daring, futuristic aesthetics, Micheli has redefined what it means to create spaces that inspire, challenge, and engage. His journey of becoming a global force in hospitality, residential, and urban design speaks of a relentless passion for reimagining the built environment.
60 years of life and 35 years of an acclaimed career
Early Life and Background
Micheli’s journey began in Italy, a country steeped in architectural history and avant-garde creativity. Raised in a land where every street echoes with layers of artistic and architectural heritage, Micheli developed an acute appreciation for the transformative power of space from a young age. The richness of Italian architecture, combined with exposure to contemporary art movements, laid the foundation for his evolving vision.
Driven by a desire to push boundaries, he embarked on a journey to reinterpret classical ideals in a modern, playful way, breaking into the industry with an unmistakable creative flair.
Simone Micheli was born in Tuscany in 1964. He graduated from the Florence School of Architecture where he had the opportunity to study with influential professors such as Giovanni Klaus Koenig (his thesis advisor), Giovanni Michelucci, and Bruno Zevi.
Career & Architectural Language
His career officially began with the founding of his studio, Simone Micheli Architectural Hero, in 1990. This venture marked the birth of a bold, unconventional design approach that soon became his signature.
From the outset, his designs were marked by a distinct balance between playfulness and functionality, combining fluid forms with practical solutions. Micheli’s early projects positioned him as an innovator with a keen sense of visual storytelling. Collaborations with established brands and various sectors helped cement his unique architectural language, one that continues to evolve with each new creation.
“Every three-dimensional room created by my Studio has the primary objective of becoming somewhere that carries and transmits emotions. All the places were conceived to touch the subconscious of the metropolitan visitor, to tell new volumetric tales beyond reality.” | Pink House, Firenze, Italy | Image copyright: @Maurizio Marcato
Design Philosophy
At the heart of Micheli’s work is a philosophy rooted in sustainability, ethics, and environmental awareness. He perceives architecture as a means of transformation, aiming to create spaces that are functional and also deeply experiential.
He champions the approach where the user’s emotional engagement with the environment is as important as the design itself. This is reflected in his use of minimalism, vibrant color, sensory engagement, and experimental materials. Micheli’s belief that every material and color has a purpose beyond aesthetics drives his pursuit of conscious, innovative solutions, setting a precedent for sustainable design.
Sense is Simple Exhibition, Triennale Milano, Milan, Italy | Image copyright: @Jürgen Eheim
Key Projects and Achievements
Immersive Guest Experiences
Simone Micheli has made a profound impact on the hospitality industry, creating hotel spaces that captivate guests. One of his notable projects, the Barceló Milan, blends futuristic aesthetics with practical luxury. The layout and design of guest rooms, common areas, and dining spaces prioritize comfort and aesthetic surprise. This project exemplifies Micheli’s commitment to sustainability, featuring recycled materials and energy-efficient systems.
In the Barceló Milan Hotel there is the spa and Wellness Center, an organic space, deliberately vibrant, colorful but rigorously calibrated. Accessible directly from the bedroom floors via a dedicated elevator, it is an interactive, hybrid, anti-canonic space, where everything is strongly characterized. | Maurizio Marcato, Jürgen Eheim © 2024 Simone Micheli
Redefining Conceptual Spaces
Micheli’s talents extend to exhibitions and showrooms, where he explores design as a narrative medium. His installations for Milan Design Week and various international exhibitions showcase his ability to create spaces that provoke thought and dialogue.
These projects, often conceptual in nature, are crafted to challenge conventions and stimulate the imagination. Micheli’s work in exhibition design is a testament to his versatility, seamlessly transitioning from large-scale architecture to intimate, immersive spaces that communicate powerful ideas.
Milan Design Week 2017 | Photo by Jürgen Eheim © 2024 Simone Micheli
Comfort Meets Avant-Garde
Micheli’s residential and urban design projects focus on comfort without sacrificing innovation. Through projects that blend avant-garde aesthetics with functional layouts, like the TownHouse Duomo – a luxury boutique residence facing Milan’s famous cathedral, he creates homes that feel both welcoming and futuristic.
His approach to urban spaces reflects his belief in sustainable, people-centered cities. By incorporating green spaces, natural materials, and mindful layouts, Micheli envisions urban environments that prioritize well-being, connecting inhabitants to both their surroundings and to each other.
The concept brand “TownHouse Street” was conceived in 2010 in Milan, from the extraordinary partnership between Alessandro Rosso and the Ar. Simone Micheli. A structural refurbishment of former commercial spaces, which are transformed into studios and suites to live the city life like nowhere else. | Photo by Jurgen Eheim © 2024 Simone Micheli
Architecture for Well-being
A significant part of Micheli’s portfolio includes spas, gyms, and wellness centers. The Aquagranda Wellness Park in Livigno showcases Micheli’s belief in architecture’s therapeutic potential. His wellness designs prioritize natural light, calming color schemes, organic forms, and natural materials, creating sanctuaries that feel restorative. These projects reflect his holistic approach to design, where architecture becomes a means of enhancing quality of life.
In the architect’s own words: “The concept around which rotates the entire development of this interior design project, is a concept of equilibrium and beauty, unique both in the morphological as in the functional point of view.” | Photos by Jurgen Eheim © 2024 Simone Micheli
Simone Micheli’s Influence on Contemporary Architecture and Design
Simone Micheli’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, celebrating his contributions to architecture and design. His work has received prestigious awards across the globe, affirming his role as a visionary in contemporary design. Micheli’s participation in global design summits, panels, and conferences has solidified his reputation as a thought leader, where he often discusses the future of sustainable, ethical design.
His influence extends beyond his projects, reaching a new generation of architects and designers who are inspired by his approach. His commitment to sustainable, user-focused design resonates with those seeking to create architecture that is both impactful and responsible. Micheli has set a standard for how architecture can enrich lives and his work continues to inspire a shift toward eco-conscious, experiential design solutions that prioritize human well-being.
Exedra Nice Hotel wellness center, Nice, France | Image copyright: @Jürgen Eheim
Simone Micheli’s journey shows no signs of slowing down. His recent projects reflect a continued evolution, where he experiments with new materials and design technologies. Micheli’s style, while always forward-thinking, adapts to global design trends, ensuring that his work remains relevant and influential. His innovative and ethical designs have solidified his place as one of the great minds in contemporary architecture, ensuring that his legacy will endure for years to come.
Simone Micheli’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of design education continues with an upcoming masterclass hosted by his renowned firm, Simone Micheli Architectural Hero, in collaboration with Cindrebay Design School Dubai. This exclusive online masterclass, titled “Design Inside Out: Interior Design with AI & Graphic Twist,” will take place on November 25 and 26, 2024, from 3.00PM to 5.00PM (Italian time). Aimed at enriching the skills of both budding and experienced designers, this session offers insights into combining interior design principles with graphic elements and AI tools, enabling participants to create immersive, personalized spaces. The participants will receive a certificate of completion issued by Cindrebay Design School Dubai.
With Micheli and his team guiding this masterclass alongside prominent design figures like Icon Casa and Architect Ahmad Sabra, attendees can expect an inspiring journey into the innovative intersection of AI and design. From exploring wall art and typography to applying patterns that elevate spaces, the session promises to reveal the unique techniques that underpin Micheli’s visionary approach, empowering designers to craft cohesive and visually dynamic interiors.
Sky Villa, Izmir, Turkey (in progress) | Image copyright: @Simone Micheli Architectural Hero