At the heart of every formidable structure lies the unbreakable union of “cement and concrete” – two indispensable elements that seamlessly merge functionality and durability with an unexpected dash of beauty. This captivating blend comes to life in the annual photography competition ‘Concrete in Life,’ a celebrated initiative by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) now in its fifth year. This year’s enthralling exhibition is making its debut at the “GCCA CEO Gathering and Leaders Conference 2024” in Bangkok, Thailand. It showcases the spectacular results of the competition, featuring an awe-inspiring collection of photos snapped by skilled photographers from across the globe. From Urban Concrete to the intricate craft of Concrete Infrastructure, Concrete in Daily Life, and the synergy of Beauty and Design, these images unravel the myriad roles of concrete, highlighting its contribution to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Dr. Chana Poomee, the Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) and esteemed member of the GCCA executive board, underscores the essence of cement’s role: “Cement is the bedrock of concrete production. Today, advancements in materials science, construction technology, and aesthetic design have ushered in an era where concrete structures meet rigorous standards of functionality and visual appeal while contributing to carbon reduction. Our commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050 is paramount for the cement and concrete industry. The annual ‘Concrete in Life’ photo competition exemplifies this commitment, artistically rendering the perspectives of concrete users and expounding on the symbiotic relationship between humans and concrete. Photographs from around the world in ‘Concrete in Life’ shed new light on concrete’s integration into daily life, blending robustness, longevity, and elegance.”
Paul Adeleke, Strategy, Communications & Policy Director at GCCA, elaborated, “Since its inception in 2019, ‘Concrete in Life’ has been a source of joy and revelation. In its maiden year, we received nearly 5,000 submissions, a figure that soared to 21,000 last year, encompassing categories such as Urban Concrete, Concrete Infrastructure, Concrete in Daily Life, and Beauty and Design. These photographs vividly portray the multifaceted utility of concrete. Through the photographers’ lenses, concrete emerges as an indispensable part of daily life across the globe. ‘Concrete in Life’ aspires to forge a global connection to the cement and concrete industry’s commitment to the GCCA Concrete Future, propelling us towards sustainability and the ambitious goal of Net Zero by 2050.”
The ‘Concrete in Life’ competition by GCCA is a welcoming invitation to all photographers and anyone equipped with a camera phone worldwide. To stay connected with the contest and its captivating narratives, visit GCCA Concrete in Life.
Wow, concrete as art. Never thought I’d see the day.
Concrete has always been an art form, just in a different medium. Look at historical structures!
I agree! Think of the Colosseum or Pantheon in Rome – masterpieces made from concrete.
It can be very beautiful in the right hands. The competition is a great idea to showcase this.
Concrete and sustainability? Isn’t it one of the biggest CO2 emitters?
True, but modern techniques are reducing its footprint. Plus, the initiative aims for Net Zero by 2050.
It’s a pipe dream. Concrete will never be sustainable without major changes in the industry.
Will this competition also highlight the environmental costs of concrete?
They should, transparency is crucial for real sustainability.
Excited to see the creativity people will bring to this competition!
Same here! I might even participate.
It’s incredible how everyday materials can be transformed into beautiful art through photography.
Absolutely. It’s a fresh perspective on something so common.
Seems like a corporate PR stunt to distract from the real issues.
Might be, but if it brings attention to sustainable practices, isn’t that a good thing?
Sure, but how much of it is just greenwashing?
Is cement really the best material for such large-scale projects, given its environmental impact?
It’s efficient and durable, but we’re definitely due for greener alternatives.
I’ve read about innovations like hempcrete and other eco-friendly substitutes.
21,000 submissions last year? That’s insane. Shows how much people engage with this.
As an engineer, I admire the technical marvels these photos capture.
Concrete infrastructure might be robust, but what about adaptability to climate change?
Structures can be designed to be resilient, but it’s a valid concern.
This competition really highlights the duality of concrete – beauty and beast.
That’s a great way to put it. It’s both an asset and a challenge.
Exactly! It’s such a staple, but we can’t ignore the downsides.
How do we balance concrete’s benefits with its environmental impact?
Innovations and regulations. We have to push the industry forward.
Digital photography can really bring out the textures and patterns of concrete.
Absolutely. The details can be stunning when captured in the right light.
Decades ago, concrete was seen as ugly and brute. This competition could change minds.
It’s amazing how perspectives shift over time. I think it’s awesome.
Thailand is such a vibrant place to host this competition!
Isn’t there irony in using an energy-intensive material to advocate for sustainability?
A bit, but advancements are being made toward greener concrete solutions.
Advancements are good, but we need more transparency about progress.
Hopefully, this competition leads to more interest in finding sustainable building methods.
I wonder if they’ll show photos of failures too, like crumbling bridges.
Art forms like photography can be powerful advocates for change.
Can’t wait to see the winning entries for this year’s competition!