I would argue that theory is not just irrelevant but was and continues to be an impediment to the development of a culture of innovation in architecture. Posing as a youthful alternative to Enlightenment certainty, theory was instead old-fashioned enlightened critique turned on itself—unremit- ting critique chasing its own tail, without purpose or end. Theory also perpetuated the Enlightenment belief that thinking is separate from and in fact guides doing; that manifestos guide political action; that architecture theory guides architecture practice.