Look: From first Dubai tower in 1970s to famed skyline, how one architect helped build city’s landmarks

Look: From first Dubai tower in 1970s to famed skyline, how one architect helped build city’s landmarks

Released in 2020, the book 'Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai' chronicles the life and times of John Harris, and his contributions to the emirate's architecture

Published: Mon 6 Mar 2023, 10:23 AM

It was in 1959 that John Harris was first invited to Dubai by then-ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum to design the city's first town plan. The British architect then went on to become one of the main forces behind designing the city’s modern skyline, including the Trade Centre, Dubai Municipality and Maktoum Hospital.

“When I first met John Harris in 2006, I was surprised that no one really knew much about him,” said architect and author Todd Reisz. “I felt like his was a story that needed to be told.”

Reisz then went on to write the book Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai. Released in 2020, the book chronicles the life and times of John Harris and outlines his contributions to the architecture of this city.

Fascination with Dubai

Reisz’s fascination with Dubai began in 2005 when he visited the city for the first time. “I was always curious about the city,” he said. “So, while working in Netherlands, when I got an offer to work on projects in Dubai,