Indulge in Europe's blend of cultures

The Europe Pavilion at Global Village showcases several aspects of the continent

At the Global Village in Dubai, it is the façade of the pavilions that set them apart and attract visitors to it. This year the façade of the Europe Pavilion not only represents architectural and art styles of Europe but also science and inventions of the continent. According to the organisers, approximately 70 people worked on the façade, and it took around two months to complete. "Different aspects of European culture have been showcased on the façade," says Sunil Bhatia, CEO, E4 Entertainment.

An example of this is the Bodleian Library that represents English Gothic architecture. One of the oldest libraries in Europe, it boasts over 12 million books and is the research library at the University of Oxford. It is also the second-largest library in Britain after the British library.

Another feature that is showcased on the façade is Printemps, founded in 1865 by Jules Jaluzot and Jean-Alfred Duclos. Apparently, the original store was designed by architects Jules and Paul Sédille and opened at the corner of Le Havre and Boulevard Haussmann in Paris, France, way back in November 1865. Printemps is well known for branding innovations, handing out bouquets of violets on the first day of spring and championing the new Art Nouveau style, with its nature-inspired motifs.

Also, an eight-and-a-half feet high sculpture of a Roman centurion soldier marks the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall. He is known as Sentius Tectonicus. Artist John O'Rourke was commissioned by the North Tyneside Council to create the Centurion that is constructed from weathering steel and measures 2.8 metres high.

Designed in the late Baroque style of the 18th century, the Palazzo Poli is a palace in Rome, Italy, which forms the impressive backdrop to the famous Trevi Fountain. Designated by the Luigi Vanvitelli, a giant order of Corinthian pilasters, it links the two main storeys. The rest of the palace was demolished for the fountain, and only the façade remains.

The Colosseum or the Flavian amphitheatre is an oval one built of concrete and sand located in Rome, Italy. Completed in AD 80 under Emperor Titus, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built in traditional Roman style, and today it is an iconic symbol of the permanence of Rome. Every type of column is present here, with the Doric, Lonic, and Corinthian orders represented. It highlights the 1,900th anniversary of Hadrian becoming emperor and the 30th anniversary of his wall being designated as a World Heritage Site.

Interestingly, there are plenty of items to interest you at this pavilion. Amber jewellery, souvenirs from Switzerland, high-quality imitation jewellery, footwear, food and clothing from Spain, nougat from France, Bath and Body products from the UK, olives and olive oils, Italian leather and ceramics from Italy plus, caricature drawing and wired art from Spain. "However, the star attraction this year is the hang drum, a percussion instrument from Switzerland," says Bhatia.

One of the most popular areas at the pavilion is the heritage area themed as 'a science park'. Here you have photo opportunities with scientists and their inventions, along with art sculptures and a seating area for you to relax. There is an area replicating the Hyde Park in London with its iron barriers and seating. Britain is known for its tea tradition. There is a traditional British teacup seat made on a large-scale seating style and is another excellent photo opportunity for social media fans.
"The big yellow traditional Amsterdam shoe is a well-known Dutch symbol. You can take a photo in front of it and save it for posterity," adds Bhatia.

Signages, traditional lamp posts and benches are added to complete the look and feel of the pavilion. Of the food items that are promoted are the Italian Wheel Pasta and honey from Bulgaria and Serbia.

- suchitra@khaleejtimes.com

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