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Anonym |
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2019 issue of Spring/Summer 2019 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Over the last twenty years, De Jorio Design International (DJDI) has gone from strength to strength. Today, two generations of the de Jorio family work side by side at the firm’s offices in Italy, supported by an expert team who all work towards a common goal: to create beautiful designs that are nothing short of breathtaking.
According to Marco de Jorio, the firm’s success is a result of its wide-reaching experience. “There’s been an invasion of new, smaller design studios recently, but they don’t have experience in the global challenge of ship design,” he explains. “While they often have valid commercial input, they tend to lack technical experience which is a huge problem. At DJDI, we have years of learning under our belts. This, teamed with our Italian personality and design skills, is what makes us unique.”
This is not just talk. The fact that MSC Cruises has formed a long-term collaboration with the design firm is testament to its leading position in a very challenging industry. The company has recently put the finishing touches to MSC Bellissima, the newest addition to MSC Cruise’s fleet, which will be closely followed by MSC Grandiosa in November.
“These next-generation ships feature some of the most innovative designs we’ve ever created,” de Jorio says. “We’ve worked hard to enable non-stop moments of leisure, with all of the different spaces running together in a fluid way. The two-deck inside promenade features a spectacular 80-metre-long LED dome, and is lined with places to shop, eat and drink. It’s truly stunning.”
And this is just the start of the work the firm is doing for MSC Cruises. “We’re also working on the Seaside EVO ships which have greater dimensions, even more generous public spaces, more cabins, a larger MC Yacht Club, and will be hosting over 5,600 guests,” says de Jorio. “While these ships are built for warmer climes, they still have the same, common requirements that can be seen across everything we do: to make the experience both memorable and emotionally satisfying for guests.”
However, the design firm needs to achieve this while harmonising elements that are very different. “There are a lot of factors to consider, and often conflicting demands from a production, marketing, commercial and functionality point of view,” de Jorio explains. “It can be challenging, but there’s nothing more satisfying than when everything works together.”
The best designs, de Jorio says, are those that take a transversal approach and really impart a positive mood for the customer. “It’s important to remember that the guests want to escape their everyday life,” he explains. “And that’s why we create their dream world.”