Architecture students build protest

Second-rate facilities are not conducive to first-class honours, DIT architecture students have warned the college.

In a letter sent to Dr David Gillingham, the director of academic affairs, the students complain of a severe lack of resources, including computers, computer packages, printers, scanners, plotters, ink cartridges and a functional network. The standard of studios is also criticised.

Some students are expected to work in less than one square metre of space and some studios have even expanded into the corridors, say the students. Other problems listed in the letter are roofs that leak, lack of blinds in studios to prevent glare and lack of heating. These matters are hindering the students' educational progress and are detrimental to their development as architects and technologists, according to the Association of Architectural Students.

A petition, enclosed with the letter, is signed by the entire student body of the school of architecture in DIT Bolton Street. A spokeswoman for the DIT says the college is actively seeking alternative accommodation.

Meanwhile, a threatened one-day strike, due to take place in DIT Aungier Street last week, was postponed at the last minute.

The TUI had issued the strike notice, over the alleged failure of the DIT to appoint one of their members to a permanent post. The lecturer, who works in the faculty of arts, has been working in the DIT since 1979 in a part-time capacity. He was recently interviewed for a permanent position but was not appointed, even though he was the only candidate for the job, according to the union. A TUI spokesman says the matter has now been referred to the Labour Relations Commission.