CIOB: Award-winning art premiers at construction project

CIOB: Award-winning art premiers at construction project

CIOB: Award-winning art premiers at construction project

It’s not every day that the construction industry premiers an international art event. But at the multi-million pound ‘Interchange’ project in Wolverhampton that’s exactly what’s taking place as they host images from this years Art of Building digital photography competition.

The Art of Building, which is run by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), will transform the sites hoarding into an art gallery showcasing finalists from this year’s competition. The installation is open for public view now and lasts until April 2011.

Speaking about the initiative Saul Townsend from the CIOB said, “We didn’t want to hide the art away in some obscure gallery. Instead by putting the photos into a public space more people will have the opportunity to enjoy them. So we are delighted that Bam Construct UK, the main contractor on the Interchange project, shared our vision and have helped us turn this into reality.

“Our ambition is to create a connection between the viewer and the very real art of building taking place on a live construction project. We feel that, in their own unique way, everyone who entered the competition or voted for their favourite image has helped to share our enthusiasm for the built environment. Now, the public have their chance to see the images up close and personal and join the debate.”

Launched in April, the contest elicited a fantastic response, attracting entrants from all over the globe. The brief inspired professional photographers and enthusiasts alike to explore and capture the built environment in a unique and imaginative way.

The installation will include all 12 finalist photographs including the winning entry from professional photographer Jim Dunn, with his photograph depicting the construction of the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, near to where he lives.

‘Elements’ was among 12 shortlisted by the judges, and then chosen by the public in a global web vote. He received 18 per cent of the vote, fighting off stiff competition from other popular finalists such as ‘Ode to Escher 01′ by Mick Ryan, taken in the Jing An District in Shanghai and “Bamboo Slum’ taken by Mohammad Rakibal Hasan in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Ivan Gethin BAM’s Project Manager at the Interchange said: “We try very hard to engage the community and neighbours around our projects. It is inspiring for them and us to have something unique and different to look at. The artwork really draws attention to a significant development in Wolverhampton’s regeneration and it’s good for the City to be the first to do this.”

You can find further information about the Art of Building at www.artofbuilding.org or join the conversation on Twitter at twitter.com. Next year’s competition will start on April 11th 2011.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents for the public benefit the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry.

Our Mission

To contribute to the creation of a modern, progressive, and responsible construction industry; able to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges faced in the 21st century.
Our 7 Guiding Principles

. Creating extraordinary people through professional learning and continuous personal development.

. Promoting the built environment as central to the quality of life for everyone everywhere.

. Achieving a sustainable future, worldwide.

. Advocating exemplary ethical practice and behaviour, integrity and transparency.

. Pursuing excellence in management practice, and technological innovation rooted in evidence based science.

. Being socially responsible and working responsibly.

. Enabling our members to find an emotional resonance with the Institute; their success is our success.

We have over 45,000 members around the world and are considered to be the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

Chartered Member status is recognised internationally as the mark of a true, skilled professional in the construction industry and CIOB members have a common commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest possible standards within the built environment.
Further information is available by contacting Saul Townsend CIOB Press and Communications Manager on t: 01344 630 766 or e: stownsend@ciob.org.uk.