Todd Reisz
Author of Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai. His work contributes to Middle Eastern urban studies by insisting that cities like Dubai deserve nuanced, historically grounded analysis.
Best podcasts with Todd Reisz
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May 18, 2025 • 43min
Todd Reisz, "Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai" (Stanford UP, 2021)
Todd Reisz, author of *Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai*, provides an engaging exploration of Dubai's architectural evolution. He discusses how the city transformed from a trading port into a global urban spectacle, shaped by deliberate planning. Reisz highlights the colonial legacy in Dubai's urban development, particularly the influence of British architect John Harris. The conversation dives into the complexities of identity amidst rapid modernization and the often-overlooked labor that built the city's stunning skyline.
May 18, 2025 • 43min
Todd Reisz, "Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai" (Stanford UP, 2021)
Todd Reisz, author and urban planning researcher based in Amsterdam, delves into Dubai's transformation from the 1950s to the 1970s, revealing it as a calculated endeavor rather than a spontaneous oil boom. He explores the intricate relationship between architecture and identity, highlighting the role of underappreciated figures, such as British architect John Harris, in shaping this ‘Showpiece City’. The discussion tackles colonial legacies, the clash of traditional and modern designs, and how these dynamics reflect broader socio-economic trends within Dubai's vibrant urban landscape.
