La Perla

between heaven and hell

Hidden beneath the historic centre of Merano, centuries-old vaulted cellars set the stage for La Perla. Here, NOA transforms a historic underground venue to an immersive interior where heritage architecture and contemporary nightlife merge through a narrative inspired by Heaven and Hell.

The historic centre of Merano is characterised by a layered urban fabric, where medieval streets, arcaded buildings and centuries-old stone cellars tell the story of the city's past. Hidden beneath one of these listed buildings lies a vaulted basement that has evolved over time, adapting to changing uses while preserving its distinctive architectural identity.

NOA's intervention builds upon this existing identity rather than replacing it. The project reimagines the former nightclub as an immersive interior experience, drawing inspiration from the symbolic worlds of Heaven and Hell while celebrating the authenticity of the historic structure. The centuries-old masonry vaults remain the defining feature of the space, their irregular surfaces and visible traces of time providing a powerful backdrop for contemporary architectural interventions. Through carefully orchestrated lighting, bespoke furnishings and a narrative-driven spatial sequence, the project establishes a dialogue between heritage and contemporary design, allowing the building's history to become an active part of the guest experience.

Heritage in a New Light

Respecting the historic character of the listed basement was a fundamental principle throughout the design process. Rather than concealing the centuries-old masonry vaults, NOA chose to reveal their authentic condition, allowing every irregular surface, material transition and visible technical intervention to remain part of the architectural narrative. The dialogue between heritage and contemporary design became the project's defining concept, celebrating the building's layered history instead of erasing it.

The intervention introduces a contemporary architectural language through light, custom-made furnishings and carefully positioned spatial elements, without competing with the existing structure. Programmable lighting accentuates the rhythm and geometry of the vaulted ceilings, transforming their perception throughout the night while preserving their material authenticity. Exposed technical installations remain intentionally visible, reinforcing the honest relationship between past and present. Rather than serving as a neutral backdrop, the historic architecture actively shapes the atmosphere of the club, becoming an essential part of the immersive spatial experience.

"The encounter between heritage and contemporary intervention was always intended to remain an integral part of the project's narrative. Rather than concealing the technical installations attached to the historic vaults, we chose to leave them visible, allowing the building's layered history to remain legible. We believe this honesty is essential to experiencing the space in its most authentic form."

Florian Marsoner

Interior Designer

"The project deliberately plays with familiar imagery. Paradise is elevated above Inferno, each defined by its own colour palette and atmosphere. Bespoke design elements further strengthen this narrative: a spiral-shaped light installation floats above Paradise and the dancefloor like a cloud, while theatrical fog in Inferno intensifies the spatial experience through powerful visual effects."

Florian Marsoner

Interior Designer

Paradiso Meets Inferno

The spatial narrative reaches its climax in the two VIP areas, Paradiso and Inferno, which reinterpret the timeless symbolism of Heaven and Hell through architecture rather than literal representation. Elevated above the dancefloor, Paradise is defined by cool blue tones, translucent materials and a sculptural spiral light installation that floats like a cloud above the space. In contrast, Inferno immerses guests in an intimate atmosphere of deep reds, theatrical lighting and drifting fog, creating a powerful sensory experience.

Rather than functioning as separate rooms, the two environments establish a continuous dialogue across the venue. Their contrasting atmospheres, material palettes and lighting concepts shape the rhythm of the club, inviting visitors to move between opposing worlds while remaining connected through a single architectural narrative.

Every Detail matters

Particular attention was also given to the restroom areas, conceived as immersive spaces in their own right. Shades of pink and violet define the women's facilities, while a composition of blue and green characterises the men's, extending the project's chromatic narrative while providing intuitive orientation. Partition walls and cubicle doors are wrapped in coloured films that intensify the atmospheric effect and add a refined visual quality to the spaces. Colour remains the only real distinction between the two areas: a shared mirror zone between the washbasins stays open and visually connected, encouraging subtle, non-verbal interaction between the spaces. In this way, the project's carefully choreographed spatial narrative extends consistently into every corner of the venue.

With its meticulously orchestrated sequence of spaces, La Perla demonstrates how interior architecture can transcend function to become a powerful storytelling tool. By weaving together heritage, symbolism, light and atmosphere, the project creates a distinctive identity that transforms a night out into an immersive architectural experience, where every detail contributes to a coherent and memorable spatial narrative.