Quality architecture must be viewed as an essential part of urban construction policies, it was urged tonight.
Anthony Reddy, president of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland 's (RIAI), said projects designed by qualified architects currently represent only a small amount of the construction carried out.
He added: "Quality architecture must be considered to be an essential ingredient of well thought-out urban policies, and not merely the icing on the cake."
At the Irish Architecture Awards, Environment Minister Dick Roche also announced the establishment of the Architectural Foundation of Ireland - which will be funded by the Department, the Arts Council and the Office of Public Works.
Mr Roche said: "The primary objective of the Foundation will be to increase the understanding and impact of contemporary architecture in Ireland and to excite a wider public to its aesthetic and cultural value."
The Minister confirmed Shane O'Toole was appointed as curator for the foundation, which will also run an annual festival to highlight the importance of architecture every year.
Mr Roche presented the society's architecture awards for a host of buildings, including the Lewis Glucksman Gallery in University College Cork, which was named the Best Public Building.
The judges described the Lewis Glucksman Gallery, which was created by O'Donnell and Tuomey Architects, as "a limestone pier and a timber treasure-house in the trees: dreamy and poetic, which repositions the viewer at the centre of the experience of art."
Mr Reddy said: "Vast sums of money are due to be spent on construction in this country over the next 10 years. It is incumbent upon the state and developers to see that this money is well invested, with the highest possible standards being applied, in order to maximise both the economic and the social benefits of development to local communities and to Irish society as a whole."
Mr Reddy said the role of the architect would be strengthened in the forthcoming Building Control Bill. He said: "This legislation, when enacted, will protect the public by ensuring that those calling themselves architects have the proper training, experience and adherence to a recognised code of conduct."
PA