The architecture coverage in the June issue was thoroughly engaging, though it was surprising to see that record had allowed itself to become a forum for political and economic ideology. Such was the impression given by the piece bearing the disingenuous title “After Theory” by Michael Speaks [page 72], which reads like a memo in the culture wars. This humorless, anti-intellectual attack on “theory” was gratuitous at best, cynically opportunistic at worst. Having been told that “theory” is no good for capitalism, can we expect to hear next that it is unpatriotic? It is embarrassing that this posture is being falsely attributed to an entire generation of younger architects and academics. Still, it’s apparently more fun for some to join the market fundamentalist party than it is to risk thinking imaginatively and critically.

Reinhold Martin, Associate Professor of Architecture, Columbia University, and principal, Martin/Baxi Architects