The Art of Building photography competition, run by the Chartered Institute of Building, showcases the best photography of the built environment. Open to both professional and amateur photographers, the contest celebrates the creativity of the industry, the passion of the people who work within it, and the impact their work has on those who make use of the final construction.
Thousands of entries have been narrowed down to just 15 images. IBTimes UK presents these finalists, along with a comment from each photographer. You can vote for your favourite photograph in this year's competition at the Art of Building website.
Flatiron building in a snowstorm, by Michelle Palazzo, New York, USA: 'New York City’s iconic Flatiron building emerges from a blizzard like the bow of a giant ship ploughing through the wind and the snow. Taken during the historic coastal storm “Jonas” on 23 January 2016, the photograph went viral during the aftermath of the storm.'Michelle PalazzoElevation, by Naf Selmani, London, UK: The Hive, Kew Gardens' spectacular new bee-inspired sculpture, seen from below as one of the visitors lies on the top glass floor to pose for pictures. This multi-sensory experience integrates art, science and landscape architecture.'Naf SelmaniControl, by Roman Robroek, Hungary: 'This beautiful control room is one of a kind and built in a beautiful art-deco style.'Roman RobroekThe Hive, by Marco Grassi, Larung Gar, Tibetan Autonomous Region, China: 'Since June 2016, everything has changed in Larung Gar, but almost nobody knows about it. What was the largest Buddhist settlement in the world – and a remote place removed from modern society, where nuns and monks led a passive life – is now being demolished by Chinese authorities.Marco GrassiHe and the bridge, by Oleg Dashkov, Riga, Latvia: 'Riga’s Tower Counter keeps his records during any season rain or shine, wet or fine. Is he distracted by the beauty of the cable bridge, I wonder?'Oleg DashkovCoast minimalism, by Senad Tahmaz, Supetar, Croatia: 'Unusual, minimalistic view of architectural detail.'Senad TahmazSancaklar Mosque 2, by Bulent Suberk, Istanbul, Turkey: 'Modern architecture as a non-traditional mosque.'Bulent SuberkOverlook, by Jonathan Walland, London, UK. 'This is part of a series of photographs demonstrating how the absence of light can be used to divert the attention of the observer towards what the photographer intended to highlight.'Jonathan WallandJeporeka, by Enrique Gimenez-Velilla, Asunción, Paraguay: 'This photo seeks to pay homage to all the clever unknown workers that still build and maintain built infrastructure in the developing world. "Jeporeka" is a Paraguayan Guarani word that roughly translates into "make do".'Enrique Gimenez-VelillaPeacock, by Gina Soden, Italy: 'A fine example of Moorish architecture – but in a castle in Italy. These rooms were all hand designed and painted by one man who had a vision to build this beautiful castle and open it as a hotel.'Gina SodenThe Gherkin, by James Tarry, London, UK: 'This series is about looking past imperfections and "incorrect" architectural photography techniques. They are created using a 4x5 technical film camera by forcing the perspective and focus. The expired Kodak Ektachrome is then developed in the "wrong" chemicals to produce these big slabs of often other worldly colour. These are flawed and hopefully challenging, just like some of the buildings themselves.'James TarryPurelife, by Shibasish Saha, West Bengal, India: 'In this frame men as well as women are working very hard to feed their families. Women forget their pain and work alongside the men in a brick field.'Shibasish SahaChanging Landscape 1, by Barbara Rossi, Sokhna, Egypt: 'I took this photo in deconstruction, it shows transformation, action and beauty.'Barbara RossiPeople’s Friendship Arch, by Oleksandr Nesterovskyi, Kiev, Ukraine: 'The photo shows a combination of nature and architecture, with the harmonious juxtaposition of a tree and a 30-metre-high titanium arch.'Oleksandr NesterovskyiThe Turbo Dandelion Wind Farm, by Derek Snee, Northumberland, UK: 'Imagine if we could use plants to harvest wind. Well now we can. Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, I give you The Turbo Dandelion Wind Farm’.Derek Snee
