Palmer Luckey Criticizes LA Times' 'Symbolic Inversion' Label for Anduril HQ

Palmer Luckey, co-founder of defense technology firm Anduril Industries, recently voiced strong disapproval of the Los Angeles Times' architectural journalism, specifically targeting a description of Anduril's headquarters. Luckey publicly criticized the publication for what he termed "bad journalism," citing an article that labeled the company's HQ a "symbolic inversion" opposed to ideals of free speech and honesty. His comments, made via social media, linked directly to the contentious article.

The criticism stems from an April 26, 2022, Los Angeles Times article by architecture critic Carolina A. Miranda, which reviewed the transformation of the former LA Times Orange County printing plant into Anduril's corporate campus. Miranda wrote, > "It’s a symbolic inversion of architectural purpose: a building once inhabited by a newsroom, an institution that is purportedly about putting an uncomfortable spotlight on the inner workings of power, will now be employed for the purpose of fabricating military technology — power in its most brutish form."

Anduril Industries, established by Luckey in 2017, moved its headquarters to the 640,000-square-foot facility in Costa Mesa, known as "The Press." This significant real estate transaction marked one of Orange County's largest office leases in recent history. The company's relocation repurposed a building that had been central to regional journalism for decades.

Anduril specializes in advanced defense technology, including artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and sensor fusion for military and border security applications. The company has secured substantial contracts, such as a $250 million deal with the Department of Homeland Security for its virtual border wall program and a $950 million contract with the Air Force. Its rapid growth necessitated a large, specialized facility for hardware development and classified work.

Luckey's public rebuke highlights a perceived mischaracterization of Anduril's operations and purpose by the LA Times. The company's mission focuses on developing cutting-edge technology to support national defense and security, a role Luckey suggests was unfairly portrayed in the architectural critique. This incident underscores ongoing tensions between tech industry leaders and media interpretations of their societal impact.