The world’s most widely used building material after water is back in the spotlight as the Concrete in Life photography competition officially launches its 7th edition.
Run by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), the annual contest has grown into a global showcase of creativity, attracting more than 20,000 entries each year from professionals and amateurs alike. The 2025 competition is now open, with winners set to be announced in early 2026.
Celebrating a universal material
The contest aims to highlight the sustainability, versatility, beauty and enduring presence of concrete in modern life. From bridges and tunnels to high-rise towers and city streets, organisers say the competition invites the world to view concrete through a fresh lens.
Thomas Guillot, GCCA Chief Executive and competition judge, said concrete was “essential to our lives, building our roads, bridges, houses and the cities we live in.” He added:
“Our Concrete in Life photography competition gives people the chance to capture the beauty of concrete and show what it means to them.”
Categories and prizes
The competition is open to everyone with a camera or smartphone, and entry is free. Contestants are asked to share their photos on social media using the hashtag #ConcreteInLife2526 and one of four category tags:
- #UrbanConcrete – city landscapes and buildings, both iconic and hidden
- #ConcreteInfrastructure – essential infrastructure, urban or rural
- #ConcreteInDailyLife – everyday human interaction with concrete
- #ConcreteBeautyAndDesign – striking architectural or design uses of concrete
The overall winner will receive $10,000, while each category winner will take home $2,500.
Judges’ perspectives
Rajneesh Khattar, Senior Group Director of World of Concrete and a judge, said the competition was a chance to view concrete in a new light:
“It’s time to appreciate the aesthetic and architectural appeal of concrete besides its versatile applications, immense strength and durability.”
Chris George, Content Director of Digital Camera World and another long-standing judge, added:
“The Concrete in Life global photography competition continues to prove it is possible to take stunning shots of architecture and the manmade environment that show off the beauty of this universal building material.”
A growing tradition
Since its inception, the competition has become a unique global tradition, blending engineering with artistry. Last year’s entries captured everything from futuristic skylines to village bridges, revealing the different ways concrete shapes daily life worldwide.
Guillot noted the competition’s rapid growth, with over 20,000 annual submissions in recent years. He said organisers expect even more entries this year as the contest gains momentum.
The 2025 competition closes on 30 November, with winners unveiled in early 2026. More details, including winning photos from previous years, are available on the GCCA website at gccassociation.org/concreteinlife.
