REGIONAL ROUND-UP FEATURE - UAE
THE EVOLUTION OF MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS TO
PROMOTE EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTION
PAUL FIRTH
Associate Principal CRTKL
Paul brings 30 years of unique experience designing, planning, and delivering large retail and mixed-use projects throughout the Middle East and Europe. Combining placemaking skills with retail planning knowledge is a unique aspect of his work, in parallel with a strong retail design sensitivity and an in-depth knowledge of the project delivery process. As a highly experienced architect with a background in design and management, Paul offers a unique and tested project approach with strong leadership and effective communication skills.
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ixed-use destinations are being redesigned with enhanced food and beverage options and exciting entertainment facilities to attract customers in the post-pandemic era. Single-use, destination retail is becoming less viable as traditional environments evolve to proactively respond to the modern consumer with a regained sense of purpose and identity.
RETAIL PEOPLE . MAY - JUL 2022
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While mixed-use developments were previously anchored by libraries, health and childcare centres, gyms and swimming pools, later centres have placed commerciality over the community. Where previously there was a desire to make centres ‘watertight’ and retail planning became an almost anti-town centre, today experience and connection is everything.