Decorpoint applies stylistic precision with hard work and passion to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. A striking example of this is its latest creation, the Mercato Mall which successfully combines Renaissance-style architecture with an Arabian flavour.
From the unplanned suqs of yesteryear to the evolution of the modern mall of today, Dubai's retail infrastructure has undergone a dramatic transformation. Abdul Rahim Al Zarouni, chairman of Zarouni Group and owner of Mercato Mall, clearly understands how shopping malls need to be taken to a 'different level in concept terms if they are to offer newer and wider retail solutions.'
In an environment which boasts few architectural relics, his thinking has been: why not create some? And this is what he has done with this mammoth theme mall, conceptualised and built over two years with success and boundless enthusiasm.
Zarouni intended Mercato Mall to be a cross between Florence and Las Vegas. This is perhaps why he chose Florentine architect Daniele Morelli - one of the Decorpoint team - to transform his vision into bricks and mortar reality and to ensure that the design did not fall into a mere caricature of the historical moments being interpreted.
Zarouni wanted to evoke the essential characteristics of several Italian architectural styles accurately yet subtly, without copying buildings but creating an appealing kaleidoscope relevant to the current needs of Mercato as it stands today.
A maverick personality, both a professor of art history at Florence University and a professional architect, Morelli fused his own unique blend of skills with Zarouni's exciting brief and Decorpoint's organisational strengths to put together a fantasy mall based on accurate design benchmarks taken from several Italian cities. Of all historical references, the heritage endowed by Florence reigns supreme. Morelli considers it 'the mother of all future cities, the 'new' Athens of the 14th century'. And it is in the vibrant spirit afforded by this unique city, dubbed as 'the cradle of Western civilisation' that the modern-day mall gets its energy and identity.
Decorpoint has designed this latest addition to the Dubai mall scene with bright colours and bold lines, in conjunction with a very hands-on client.
The mall features approximately 20,000 sq m of exquisitely hand-painted artistic decoration, rendered by a handpicked international team of latter-day Leonardos, Renaissance frescos, faux arches, colonnades and marbles made to resemble a blend of Italy's most beautiful cities, Florence and Venice, from the 1300s, through the Renaissance period and up to the 1800s Italian romantic era.
Artistic considerations aside, the mall houses flagship stores including Spinney's, a Virgin Megastore and a seven-screen movie hall, uniting, as Zarouni says, retail with art.
Thanks to the highly innovative design aspect, Decorpoint has not only succeeded in creating an exciting precedent, but has also elevated shopping and leisure to an art.
Bringing together different elements to form a unique, functional and harmonious environment is the aim of any interior designer. With the development of Mercato, this was made all the more challenging due to manual intricacy of the work undertaken and the range of architectural styles being interpreted.
Fortunately, several Italian cities of the past, such as Venice and Pisa, enjoyed strong trading relations with the East. Thus, it has been possible to integrate a taste of Arabia while respecting the canons of contemporary design.
As with every project, it is a team which successfully completes any project and Decorpoint says it is grateful to everyone involved and that all parties should be proud of their contribution to the final product.
'Hopefully with our participation in these high-profile quality developments, clients will consider utilising the services of Decorpoint on their future projects,' says Italian partner Mariano Bertelli.
Decorpoint, an international interior design company, was established in 1979 in Ponsacco (Pisa) Italy. Its activities range from complete turnkey projects to interior design and manufacture, supply and installation of any interior design element. The company has also been operating in the UAE since 1979 and has an established office which complements the Italian head office.
Over the years, Decorpoint has been involved with numerous projects in the UAE - including palaces, villas and hotels. The latest projects on which the company has worked in the country are The Fairmont Hotel Dubai and The Emirates Hotel - Fujairah, shopping centres and corporate offices.
