Simone Carena

Simone Carena is an Associate Professor of Interior Design at VCU School of the Arts in Qatar. He previously held teaching positions at Hongik University in Seoul and is the Founder & Principal of award-winning architecture studio MOTOElastico. A Knight of the Italian Star (2017), he specializes in cross-cultural design, blending Korean, Jamaican, and Italian influences. His work spans architecture, art direction, and cultural preservation.

Education:

• Master of Architecture (Magna Cum Laude), Turin Polytechnic University, Italy
• Master of Architecture, SCI-Arc, Los Angeles, USA

Research Interests:

Explores 'Dub-Architecture' inspired by Bob Marley's legacy, merging local and global design elements. Notable projects include the Korean-Jamaican house (2007), Moving Interiors with Marcello Gandini (2023-24), and the MUNLAB Eco-Museum in Turin. His work intersects architecture, art, and reggae culture.

Recent Projects:

• 2023-24: 'MOBUMENTS' art residency at Doha Firestation
• 2024: 'DUB DESIGN' lecture series at VCUArts Richmond
• 2025: London Design Biennale installation with VCUQ pavilion

Awards:

• Knighthood of the Italian Star (2017)

Collaborations:

Co-founded MOTOElastico (2006), collaborated with the Qatar Auto Museum, and developed cultural projects with institutions like the Italian Institute of Culture in Seoul. His research extends to reggae archives in Jamaica and eco-museum initiatives.