Sir, - Frank McDonald's article last Saturday referring to the development of Dublin Airport was very timely. When the original terminal building at Collinstown was designed in 1939 it was hailed as a modern building of world class standard.
Aer Rianta intend to construct a major extension to the existing terminal and intend to select the architect on the lowest cost basis. This system which virtually guarantees a lower standard of design, expensive construction and ongoing maintenance problems is so discredited that it is now illegal both in the United States and Germany amongst other places.
This procurement method can be contrasted with that of the Irish Aviation Authority who are planning a similarly important building in Shannon but who selected seven first class architectural firms to participate in an architectural competition. This is the type of process which resulted in the new Dublin Civic Offices on Wood Quay which is another building receiving international acclaim.
This institute is convinced that the architect should be selected, either by interview or competition and that the result would be more beneficial both to the country and to Aer Rianta itself. The importance of securing a good design is emphasised by the fact that this building will probably be the first that many people coming to the country will see and from which they will form an initial impression of this country's culture. - Yours etc.
Director,
Royal Institute of the
Architects of Ireland,
8 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.