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DP personalities
An interview with
Clyde & May IN PERSON celebrates the firm’s diversity by profiling members of the DP family. The interview is conducted as a casual conversation between individuals. Associate directors Clyde Uriarte and May Chan were both based in Dubai as key members of the project team that worked on The Dubai Mall. They share with Design in Print their experience of working on the international scene and what they think makes the mall successful. Interview by Leanne Lim
What do you think contributed to the success of the mall? C: The mall was really designed to be a regional hub for shopping, but increasingly, you have the rich from countries like China flying to Dubai just to shop. As far as retail is concerned, the mall is very selective of the brands they bring in. You won’t see the same anchor tenants at other malls within the United Arab Emirates. With the success of the mall, there is a great demand for more shop space. That’s one reason for the expansion – one million square feet just for the first phase. M: Part of the success of the mall also comes from the buzz and excitement of it being the largest mall in the world (by covered area). By its sheer size, The Dubai Mall has stamped out most of the competition. However, being massive doesn’t guarantee success. Given its
“It was a whole new game, where you had to know the international standards. It was a steep learning curve.”
- Clyde
size, many studies were made to guarantee clarity of circulation so that visitors would find it easy to move around and not be overwhelmed. The mall also has key attractions such as The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, and Dubai Ice Rink that draw visitors to it annually.
What was it like leading an international team of consultants? C: In Dubai, it’s really an international arena in practice. There was a project manager who challenged us on our documentation, our specifications and drawings. It was a whole new game, where you had to know the international standards. It was a steep learning curve for me. And in the international arena,