The Chartered Institute of Building has revealed the winners of its coveted photography competition, the Art of Building.
Dutch urban photographer Roman Robroek has been crowned winner of the Public Choice Award for his picture of an abandoned school in a remote village in Italy.
‘Fresco school’ received more than half of the 8,850 votes cast by members of the public who chose their favourite photo among the 12 finalists.
Robroek becomes the first person to win the Art of Building’s Public Choice award for the second time. In 2017, he received the award for his shot of the Art Deco Kelenfold power station in Budapest.
The Judges’ Choice award went to Liam Man for ‘Once upon a pass’, which shows a hotel on Furka Pass, a mountain in the Swiss Alps.
Each of the photographers will receive a cash prize of £1,500.
Celebrating past structures
Saul Townsend, head of communications at CIOB, said: “This year, we are delighted to recognise two outstanding winners. Roman Robroek’s evocative image of an abandoned school in Italy, which earned him the Public Choice Award, beautifully highlights the quiet elegance and historical significance of old buildings.
“Roman’s achievement is particularly remarkable as he becomes the first entrant in our competition’s history to win the title twice – a testament to his extraordinary talent.”
Townsend continued: “Liam Man’s dramatic portrayal of the iconic Hotel Belvedere on Switzerland’s Furka Pass, winner of the Judges’ Choice Award, showcases the enduring power of architecture to inspire awe and wonder.
“Both winners remind us of the importance of preserving and celebrating the structures that connect us to our past while shaping our cultural identity. We are immensely proud of all who entered and look forward to celebrating even more incredible talent in the future.”
The CIOB Art of Building competition is an annual contest for amateur and professional photographers to showcase their skills, while also promoting the true beauty of the world’s built environment.
This year’s edition received 1,444 entries.
