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ESB on Lower Fitzwilliam Street - Cathal O'Neill
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On the more general question of architectural competitions I strongly support this system of selecting architects. It is fair and democratic and usually produces the best design. The real value of the competition is the opportunity it provides for architects to develop their talent. Competing is a form of post-graduate study where the architect can step outside the pressure of practice and freely explore new avenues of thought which may transcend the normalities of practice. Indeed, there is a case to be made for treating competitions as a form of Continuing Professional Development, and if, as seems likely, the regular retraining of architects is made compulsory, then entry to competitions might become a required module.

The self-improvement aspect of competitions is a counter argument to the criticism that it is largely wasteful of professional resources where literally hundred of architects are involved in the design of a single building and only one firm receives any reward. While limited competitions, confined to a short selected list are a more efficient use of architects' time, the restrictive system is unfair to all, architects, the public and the promoters and it is unlikely that it will result in an outstanding building. Favoured by the client who likes certainty and wants the assurance of an established name, not for them a winner who may never have designed a building of substantial size or particular function. Large or reputable firms also support limited competitions since they provide a good chance of success and usually there is some payment to cover the cost. The case for the open competitions is the quality of buildings which they have produced. My own favourites are Brunelleschi's Dome, Jorn Utzon's Opera House and Ahrends Burton & Koralek's Berkeley Library in Trinity College.

Cathal O'Neill is an Emeritus Professor of Architecture, UCD, having taught there from 1961 - 1996. Born in Dublin in 1930, he is a graduate of UCD and IIT Chicago. He is in practice with his son Garrett.