CIOB invites public to choose best built environment photograph of 2021

The built environment’s most amazing and poignant stories are revealed in the shortlist for the 2021 Art of Building photography competition, run by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

From the thousands entered, just 12 images have made it through, including photographs that capture structures made in seemingly impossible landscapes from the Arctic to Zanzibar. The shortlist illustrates the vast range of styles that make up our built world, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site in New Delhi and the soaring 462m tall Lakhta centre in Saint Petersburg.

CIOB is now asking the public to help choose this year’s winner as the competition enters its final stage. In its 12th year, the Art of Building celebrates the creativity of the construction industry and the built world around us.

There are two awards to be won: the £1,500 Judges’ Prize, chosen by the judges; and the £1,500 Public Choice Award chosen by the public through an online vote. Winners will be announced on 18 January 2022.

Kate Macbeth, director of marketing at CIOB, said: “Every year the entries exceed our wildest expectations. This past year, our ability to go outside and explore – in every country – has been very limited, so to see such a varied range of incredible interpretations of our built environment has been such a joy. This competition reinforces how our built environment provides more than just practicality. I can’t wait to see which the public chooses as their winner.”

The public vote has gone live today (Monday 6 December 2021).

Voters can choose their favourite submission on the www.artofbuilding.org website.