RetailFeatured Project

House of Hype

Dubai Mall

2023

Services Provided

Dubai Municipality Approval
AOR Services
MEP Coordination

The Challenge

House of Hype presented unique challenges as an immersive entertainment experience within Dubai Mall's strict regulatory framework. The project required approval for a non-traditional retail concept combining experiential elements, technology integration, and entertainment features. Dubai Mall's existing infrastructure required careful MEP coordination to avoid conflicts with mall systems. The immersive nature of the space demanded specialized approvals for lighting, audio systems, and crowd management. Authority coordination was complex due to the innovative concept falling outside standard retail categories, requiring custom compliance interpretations.

Our Solution

Gravity Engineering served as Architect of Record, translating the innovative concept into compliant technical documentation that authorities could approve. Our team conducted extensive pre-application consultations with Dubai Municipality to establish approval pathways for this unique use case. MEP coordination involved detailed clash detection with existing mall infrastructure, working closely with mall management and contractors. We developed comprehensive safety and crowd management plans addressing authority concerns about the experiential nature of the space. Strategic phasing of submissions allowed us to secure preliminary approvals while design evolved, maintaining project momentum.

Project Gallery

Striking entrance to immersive entertainment experience

House of Hype interior retail and entertainment space

Integrated retail and experiential zones

House of Hype technology and interactive displays

Advanced technology integration and interactive features

The Results

Approval Rate

100%

Completion

On Schedule

The project successfully obtained all required approvals despite its innovative nature, establishing a precedent for similar experiential retail concepts in Dubai. Opening was achieved on schedule for the peak retail season, maximizing business impact for the client. The venue has operated without compliance issues, validating our approval strategy. House of Hype became a landmark destination in Dubai Mall, attracting significant foot traffic and media attention. Our work on this project has led to multiple referrals for other experiential retail concepts.

"Navigating approvals for our innovative concept seemed impossible until we partnered with Gravity Engineering. Their deep knowledge of Dubai Municipality processes and creative problem-solving made it happen."

Sarah Johnson

Development Manager, House of Hype