Born in Tuscany, Italy, and the son of a painter and an art teacher,
Simone Micheli - honored at the
17th BOOMSPDESIGN edition - graduated from the
Faculty of Architecture at the University of Florence and, during his academic years,
met important mentors such as
Giovanni Michelucci, Giovanni Klaus Koenig , who came to be his thesis advisor, and
Bruno Zevi , with whom he worked at the beginning of his career. Prolific, he has professionally taken
several directions , leaving his mark on
architecture , as well as interior, industrial and visual design,
always with a sustainable and
environmentally conscious bias, which gives his creations
uniqueness and a
distinct identity. From government and educational institutions to luxury hotels, gastronomy, corporate and residential areas, Simone has a wealth of
renowned projects that have made him one of the main
players in the field of
European architecture and design , in addition to having worked as a professor at the
Faculty of Architecture in Florence , at Poli.Design and at the Polytechnic School of Design in Milan.
In an exclusive interview with CASACOR , Micheli shares insights into his creative process , his dedication to sustainability , and his quest for harmony between form and function. From his inspirations in nature to his reflections on the role of artificial intelligence in the architecture of the future , this conversation offers a glimpse into the mind behind some of today’s most iconic works. Check out the full interview below! (Maurizio Marcato/CASACOR)
Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach a new project from conception to completion, and what are the key principles or philosophies that guide your design work? I am a lucky man! I have visions that I quickly capture on paper or on my iPad so as not to forget them. My projects come from God, from something outside of me . I feel like an extraordinary channel. Everything is generated with great spontaneity . I often find myself daydreaming, imagining "things and houses" that become real. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in design. How do you integrate sustainable practices into your projects? Architects and designers are now called upon to follow an ethic of sustainable progress. We have a responsibility to create solutions that allow us to live today with tomorrow in mind, a mantra that I follow as a fundamental component of my approach to design. Sustainability is a core value in my projects; I strive to minimize environmental impact during all phases of the process. I am committed to educating and raising awareness among my clients, colleagues and the wider community about the importance of sustainability, seeking to promote awareness of environmental issues and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices not only in my projects, but also throughout the industry. (Maurizio Marcato/CASACOR)
As an architect with a progressive approach, how do you envision the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of built environments, especially in terms of sustainability, efficiency and user experience? I believe that artificial intelligence has the potential to radically transform the world of architecture and design, contributing to the creation of more sustainable, efficient and inclusive built environments. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and adjustment of buildings’ energy consumption, optimizing lighting, heating, ventilation and other systems to reduce waste and improve overall energy performance. AI is already and will continue to profoundly change countless parameters, changing lives and opening doors we never imagined possible . It represents a new revolution that helps us change, articulate, develop content, logistics and form. Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles to complete it? I find it challenging to answer because each project I have had the privilege of working on brings its own unique challenges and rewards. Each project is like a child to me, and there is no room for preference. However, I can share a general experience that reflects my approach to challenges. In many of the projects I have worked on, I have encountered financial, time-related, bureaucratic, or team dynamic obstacles. What I have learned over the years is that perseverance and determination are crucial to overcoming any challenge. I have learned to navigate delicately to achieve the ultimate goal: improving the quality of life . 
