The Architectural Library, situated within the Science Library, is adequate. It has recently created a specialist database of contemporary and recent buildings in Ireland, and services the profession through a membership scheme. The university Audio-Visual Unit, within the Science Library building, provides skills training and video cameras to students for project work and also a photographic service, including access to studios and editing suites. The Department has two darkrooms. Modelling of environmental behaviour is achieved through computer simulation, rather than laboratory testing.
Instrumentation is also available from the consultancy resources of some of the part-time staff.
The Department of Architecture holds a secure position in the mainstream of architectural education and training and is well supported within the University. This is reflected in the appointment of a Professor of Architecture and the creation of the new post of Head of Department, on an equal footing with the other heads within the School of the Built Environment. A specific claim for excellence is made with regard to quality control. Many of the mechanisms employed are quite recent, owing to changes in the academic structure and the introduction of modularisation, and have yet to be consolidated into a comprehensive and easily accessible form. The achievement of objectives is included in the quality assurance process.