Winners of world’s largest built environment photography competition revealed

The winners of the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) coveted photography competition have been announced.

Photographers pitted their best shots against one another in CIOB’s Art of Building contest, the world’s largest photography competition which shows buildings and construction as works of art.

Judges whittled down more than 1,500 entries to 15 final photographs and members of the public were allowed to vote for their favourite online. Meanwhile, judges also picked their favourite image.

Public Choice winner

Photo: Azim Khan Ronnie

The winning shot was captured by Bangladesh’s Azim Khan Ronnie who submitted a stunning image of the National Mosque of Bangladesh. It shows visitors taking part in group prayers and they can be seen neatly lined up as they stand, sit, kneel and bow.

More than 2,000 voters picked their favourite image and Azim’s picture secured 68 per cent of the votes – a landslide victory.

Judges’ Choice winner

Meanwhile, Belgium’s Alain Schroeder’s image titled Bricks – also captured in Bangladesh – scooped the Judges’ Choice crown this year. It shows some of the dangerous conditions some people work in at brick factories in the country.

Alain said: “Bangladesh needs a lot of material to push forward its development and that is why you can see a lot of brick factories in the country – where men, women and even children work in difficult and dangerous conditions.

“The men in the image are covered with dust, transforming them into earth statues, which endangers their health.”

Both winning photographers will receive a £1,500 cash prize.

Saul Townsend, Head of Communications at CIOB, who was on the judging panel for the competition, said: “We were once again overwhelmed by so many incredible entries into this growing, global competition – capturing the built environment for all its beauty.

“The winning images are very contrasting with Azim’s photo showing the true harmony outstanding architecture can bring while Alain’s picture is a powerful reminder that for all the wonder of the built world, there are far too many people – including children – who suffer appalling injuries due to terrible conditions.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who submitted a photograph to this year’s contest and we’re already looking forward to reopening the competition in late 2024.”