Art of Building 2026

On 30 July 2026, CIOB announced that the Art of Building Competition was open for entries.

Fresco School by Roman Robroek. Winner of the 2024 Public Choice Award.

Photographers from around the world are being invited to showcase the beauty, creativity and impact of the built environment as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) opens entries for its annual Art of Building photography competition.

Free to enter and open to anyone aged 18 or over, the Art of Building contest is the world's largest photography competition dedicated to the built environment.

After a short hiatus in 2025 to revamp the entry system, the contest has now returned. Amateur and professional photographers alike are encouraged to submit their most striking images of buildings, infrastructure and the people who shape, use and interact with them.

With two £1,500 cash prizes up for grabs, CIOB is once again hoping to attract an outstanding collection of images from photographers around the world, celebrating the creativity, diversity and stories found within the built environment.

Saul Townsend, Head of Communications at CIOB, said: It is brilliant to have the Art of Building competition back.

“We took a break last year to improve the entry system, and now we are returning with a simpler experience and the same ambition to celebrate the creativity, people and stories found across the built environment.

“The competition gives photographers from around the world the chance to share their own unique perspective on the places we build and the way they shape our lives. We are really looking forward to seeing what they capture this year.”

Entries open on Thursday 30 July and close on Monday 7 September. An expert panel of judges will shortlist the strongest entries before the public is invited to vote for their favourite image between Monday 21 September and Friday 16 October. The winners will be announced on Tuesday 3 November.

The 2024 contest attracted entries from across the globe, with photographers capturing everything from towering skyscrapers and historic landmarks to intimate moments of construction and community life.

Winning photographs from 2026 will once again be showcased across CIOB's channels, allowing photographers to have their work seen by audiences around the world.

For full competition details, entry requirements and information on how to enter, visit the Art of Building website. https://artofbuilding.org/

The article originally appeared on the CIOB website on 31 July 2026.

--CIOB

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