Professor Daniele Morelli, a Renaissance expert who was born in Tuscany and studied at the prestigious Accademia delle Belle Arti in Florence, will cross reference the architectural plans for North Point in Dubai's Sports City with official studies carried out on Roman and Venetian architecture.
When the plans are complete a team of artists and masons from Italy who specialise in Venetian restoration and architecture will assist the appointed construction company so that the essence of Venice is incorporated in the finished waterside project.
'The knowledge and attention to detail that Morelli captures is extraordinary. We believe you would be hard pressed to find anyone else with the depth and breadth of understanding that he has,' said Khalid Al Zarooni, President of Dubai Sports City.
'It is easy to understand why people fall in love with Venice, it is the most beautiful city built by man. Venice reflects an irresistible enjoyment of life through its people, architecture, and culture. This type of lifestyle is a gift and I'm happy to recreate it for the residents of Dubai,' said Morelli.
North Point's Palazzi will be created in the form of three elegant atriums, housing commercial offices, boutique stores and cafes. The atriums will lead to waterfront restaurants, where in the cooler months, seating will be available on the promenade creating a Riviera-style setting. A large landscaped courtyard – the Campo – will link North Point to Dubai Sports City's Arena Mall, Stadia and the adjacent commercial and residential establishments.
'Professor Morelli is working closely with the architects to ensure that the retail and commercial buildings, the waterside al fresco cafés and restaurants, even the lamp posts and manholes reflect the beauty of traditional Venetian architecture,' added Al Zarooni.
It is not the first project in Dubai that professor Morelli has been involved in. He has undertaken work in the Emirate since 1976 including The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina where he designed all the interiors by hand.
