Concrete in Life 2024/25 winners announced
GCCA global photography competition reveals breathtaking pictures from around the world
THIS stunning image of a skateboarder at Venice Beach, California, has been named Concrete in Life Photo of the Year 2024/25. It was selected from more than 20,000 entries to the annual global competition, run by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), which highlights the beauty and essential role that concrete plays around the world.
The image, which wins a top prize of US$10,000, was taken by Henrik Hagerup, at Venice Beach Skatepark in Los Angeles. The park’s concrete bowls were inspired by LA’s abandoned swimming pool skating scene of the 1970s. Mr Hagerup’s photo was announced as this year’s overall winner along with four category winners and a people’s vote champion.
GCCA chief executive Thomas Guillot, who helped to judge this year’s competition, said: ‘Many congratulations to Henrik Hagerup, whose photo is absolutely breathtaking, and to all of this year’s winners, which we think are the best we have seen over the last six years of the competition.
‘Their stunning images highlight concrete’s positive impact on our lives right across the planet. Whether it’s the vital infrastructure such a bridges, railways, and roads that we travel along, or the homes, offices, and schools we inhabit, concrete is a truly versatile material. Our competition gives anyone with a smartphone as well as professional photographers, the chance to show just how essential concrete is to our lives, as well as how beautiful it can be.’
Entries were submitted from every continent and included images of skyscrapers and the modern urban world, as well as key infrastructure such as transport networks, including railways, bridges and roads, and other important structures such as sea defences and dams. The photos also show more intimate human interactions in villages and playgrounds, as well as exquisitely designed architecture and much more.
All the winners and shortlisted pictures as well as an online version of the gallery can be viewed here.
