It is a shame that Christopher Hawtree (Letters, June 21), did not refer to plans for the exciting events taking place this week in Brighton and Hove as part of the nationwide Architecture Week.

The event encourages participation by people from a wide age range and different backgrounds - and the enthusiastic take-up belies Christopher's pessimism.

The coverage of architectural debate by The Argus and the media in general indicates an increased level of interest in the built environment.

I welcome Christopher's criticisms of modern construction methods in direct contradiction to those used successfully for the world's greatest modern buildings.

But in addition to quality construction, the people of Brighton and Hove, as well as the city council, should be demanding progressive design.

I am the first to agree there have been some notable disappointments in the past 50 years but the city has some distinguished 20th-century buildings.

I am compiling a book reviewing the past century of architecture in Brighton and Hove and look forward to a warm and friendly debate with Christopher when it is published.

-Chris Morley, Brighton