The Winners!
URBAN JUNGLE 2023
First Prize Winners
Danielle Khoury Gregorio
Danielle Khoury Gregorio is an architect and researcher who graduated from the University of São Paulo with an exchange program at the German university Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT). Throughout her career, she has received several architecture awards, including the international Fira Barcelona, Piscina & Wellness Awards in 2017 and the LafargeHolcim Awards in 2021, which is considered the world's most significant competition for sustainable design.
Please introduce yourself briefly and provide some insights into your background in photography.
I am an architect and researcher graduated from the University of São Paulo with an exchange program at the German university Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT). Throughout my career, I have received several architecture awards, such as the international Fira Barcelona, Piscina & Wellness Awards in 2017 and the LafargeHolcim Awards in 2021, the world´s most significant competition for sustainable design.
I have a deep passion for studying sustainable construction methods and have worked with renowned architectural studios committed to sustainability, including the Andrade Morettin Arquitetos Associados in São Paulo and the Dutch studio KAAN Architecten. In 2022, I founded Khoury Arquitetura, a studio dedicated to designing environmentally conscious buildings that integrate seamlessly with local climates.
My passion for Photography was deepened during my years in Architecture school, where my capacity to observe spaces was refined, nurturing an interest in capturing them through the lens of photography. In 2017, I won my first photography competition with an image of MuBe, the Brazilian museum for Sculpture, designed by the acclaimed Pritzker winner, Paulo Mendes da Rocha.
Recently, I received a research grant from the Holcim Foundation to study Amazonian vernacular architecture and its applications in contemporary Brazilian architecture. As part of this research, I directed the documentary “Life on the Amazon Waters”, a film that not only contributed to advancing my photography skills but also provided a nuanced exploration of the subject matter. The documentary received recognition from the Institute of Architects of Brazil and was awarded 2nd Prize for Best Documentary at the Istanbul International Architecture and Urban Films Festival, as well as best production and best editing at CineMAZ Film Festival. It also participated in 10 international film festivals, further emphasizing the impact of this work in reaching a wider audience and contributing to the discourse on sustainable architecture.
For my contributions to the field, I was honoured to be selected by Forbes Brazil as a member of the "Forbes Under 30" list in the Architecture and Design category in 2022, recognized as one of the most promising talents among the new generation of architects in Brazil.
Could you give us an overview of your winning photograph in The Urban Jungle Photography Challenge?
The photograph captures a perspective of the Little Island Park, a vibrant green place nestled within the bustling New York City. In the foreground, organic-shaped concrete structures stand out, providing support to the beautiful greenery of the park, seamlessly integrating nature into one of the world's largest metropolises. Meanwhile, in the distance, the glass skyscrapers of downtown Manhattan serve as a stark reminder of the urban landscape that surrounds this urban park.
The "Urban Jungle" theme encourages photographers to explore the coexistence or contrast between man-made structures and natural elements. How did you approach this theme in your photography?
In approaching the "Urban Jungle" theme for my photography, I aimed to capture the harmonious coexistence of man-made structures and natural elements within the context of the Little Island Park in New York City. The image emphasizes the juxtaposition of organic-shaped concrete structures in the foreground, acting as both architectural elements and support for the lush greenery of the park. This intentional composition showcases the seamless integration of nature into the urban environment, highlighting the delicate balance between the constructed urban landscape and the vibrant, thriving green space. Additionally, the distant glass skyscrapers of downtown Manhattan serve as a contrasting backdrop, underscoring the dynamic interplay between the urban and natural worlds in this scene.
What technical aspects or camera techniques did you employ to bring out the desired effects in your photograph?
To achieve the desired effects in my photograph, I employed several technical aspects and camera techniques. Firstly, I utilized a higher vantage point by capturing the scene from the rooftop of a nearby building. In terms of composition, I focused on framing the organic-shaped concrete structures in the foreground to highlight their architectural significance.
I paid careful attention to lighting conditions, capturing the photograph during a specific time of day to enhance the play of light and shadow on the park's features. Additionally, I experimented with exposure settings to ensure clarity and vibrancy in both the foreground and background elements.
Post-processing techniques were employed to fine-tune the color balance and contrast, ensuring that the photograph conveyed the visual impact and narrative I intended. Overall, a combination of composition, lighting, and post-processing contributed to achieving the desired effects in my photograph.
Did you have a personal connection to the urban environment or the specific location featured in your winning photograph?
Definitely. This location holds significant meaning for me as a haven of rest and relaxation, a place I enjoy visiting when I am in New York. The presence of greenery and the serene view of the water instill in me a sense of joy and overall well-being. The image, therefore, captures not only a visually appealing scene but also reflects my personal attachment and the positive emotions I associate with this place, where I connect with nature amid the bustling urban environment.
Every photography process comes with its challenges. Were there any unique challenges you encountered while capturing your winning shot, and how did you overcome them?
When I was on-site, I felt the incredible atmosphere of the place and I was eager to capture it. The challenge I faced was finding the perfect vantage point that not only showcased the park but also conveyed its location within the expansive backdrop of New York. Capturing this from street level proved challenging due to limitations in showcasing the entirety of the park. Consequently, I decided to ascend to the rooftop of a nearby building. This move granted me a broader perspective, allowing me to capture both the allure of the park and its contextual placement within the larger urban landscape.
Urban photography often carries a narrative or message. What message or story were you aiming to convey through your winning photograph?
In my photograph, I aimed to convey the positive impact that integrating nature into urban spaces can have on individuals and the environment. The message I wanted to share revolves around the transformative effects of green spaces in urban settings. Beyond enhancing the well-being of people, these spaces contribute to increased biodiversity, improved air quality, optimal temperature regulation, and effective control of rainwater. My intention is to emphasize the significance of valuing and preserving such urban oases, recognizing them not only as aesthetically pleasing environments but as essential contributors to a healthier and more sustainable urban lifestyle.
Winning The Urban Jungle Photography Challenge is a significant accomplishment. How does it feel to be recognized for your outstanding work?
Winning The Urban Jungle Photography Challenge is a gratifying achievement. It is an honour to be recognized for my work amidst such a competitive and inspiring field of photographers. The acknowledgment of my efforts reinforces my passion for capturing the essence of urban environments. This recognition not only validates my dedication to the craft but also serves as a motivation to continue exploring and expressing the dynamic relationship between man-made structures and natural elements through my lens. It is not just a recognition of past achievements but a catalyst for continued passion and dedication in my journey as a photographer.
Second Prize Winners
Eren Can Altay
Germany
Eren Can Altay graduated from Architecture and Design Faculty of Bahcesehir University in 2017. Following year he has been accepted to Architectural History, Theory and Criticism master program at Istanbul Bilgi University. By completing his thesis- ‘Leftover Space as an Alternative Public Space and Individual Use Possibilities’- he had managed to graduate from the master program in 2020.
Also he participated in many national and international architectural competitions. He has won an equivalent award in Ytong Architectural Idea Competition in 2014 and visited Venice Biennale of Architecture as the reward. Beside from that, his group project was succeeded as an honorable mansion in “Labyrinth 2.0” Architectural Competition with the project named “Pan-topia”.
He had written a thesis in master degree and many other articles for other mediums such as architectural magazines, blogs or art galleries. His articles varied in scaled topics yet main topics are building analysis and thresholds between literature and architecture.
After he finished his internships in Azerbaijan and Turkey he started working as an architect in Istanbul Municipality. After 3 years of working experience in the institution, he moved to Hamburg Germany to work in Wagenknecht Architekten which he still works in.
Introduction
My name is Eren Can Altay and I am an architect from Turkey who lives in Hamburg. I am not a professional photographer yet but maybe as many architects it is one of my hobbies. For all my travels and sightseeings, I tried to catch some clear shots or aesthetic perspectives in the sense of architecture. Thus I can mention that architectural photography has somehow always been around me from the beginning of my university education as most architects.
Photography Concept
The site where I took the picture is Ernst Barlach Haus which is an art gallery and exhibition hall inside of a park in Hamburg. It was a time when I was still exploring the city with my camera and there I found the corner where two human statues were hanged on the outside of the brick wall.
Theme Exploration
Since the gallery is located in a park, the contrast between the building and the green landscape was already there. The striking point is the statues that are placed on the wall as if it pictures all the reasons how the building environment affected the natural landscape. Unfortunately the theme did not affect the shot directly because I wasn't aware of the competition while I took the picture. Yet the ideas behind my mind matched with the theme of the competition because it was the contrast of nature and build environment and the stance of humans in the situation that drove me to take the shot.
Technical and Artistic Choices
My main goal was to take a shot directly from the opposite of the statues. This would give me the perspective that I want from the composition. The edges of the building aligned vertical and horizontal in this way. This lets me create sharper and clearer images. On the other hand, natural elements don't have sharp edges, thus they bumped up in the composition which created the contrast even more crucial. Also symmetry was not something that I was looking for in the image to create a dynamism in the composition. Thus I didn’t place the human figures in the middle of the picture yet they stand in the right side of the picture.
Personal Connection
I dont have any particular connection to the environment featured in my photo. It was an exploration moment of the city for me which is a result of me being in the area for the first time.
Challenges and Triumphs
Even Though I didn't face any unique challenge that needed to be overcome. Only point that I may point out in this sence is the positions of tree branches. I needed to frame them so as not to catch the main focus and break the cleanness of the photo. I needed to find a balance for it. A little walk in the garden was enough to find a better angle to achieve what I wanted in my photo.
Impact and Message
The existence of human statues creates a narrative in the theme of nature and artificial. It shows the main characters of the situation and that is why I was interested in the composition of the photo. In the context this was the “meaning” that I was aiming to visualise and I believe that I have reached the point. Beside the compositional meaning and photographic aesthetic, I wasn't looking for any other “big” meanings that I would dare to give in just a single shot.
Reflections on Winning
I am so happy with the achievement because it is the first time that I am participating in a photography competition. I am in a period of time where maybe I can turn my hobby into something which also gives some additional benefits. The Urban Jungle Photography Challenge has been a nice start and hope in the process. Especially with a second winner photography, It lets me look for a different future and hope in the field of photography.
Third Prize Winners
Aylin Güler, Şevin Özoğuz & Şeyma Sevde Selçuk
Special mention
Honorable mention
Yiyang Li
Xin Ran Wang
Jian Liang
Yiyang Li
Yiyang Li is seamlessly blending her roles as an accomplished architect and a skilled photographer. Based in both Europe and Asia, Yiyang has cultivated a unique perspective shaped by her academic pursuits and a keen interest in the interplay between urban environments and architectural design.
With a rich architecturally educational background across Europe such as Finland Iceland Germany and practising her work in Portugal Austria and Sweden, Yiyang has honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the intricate relationship between urban spaces and the structures that define them. Her academic journey has not only equipped her with architectural expertise but has also fueled her curiosity about the dynamic connections within cities.
For her, photography serves as a powerful tool for exploration and education. Each photograph is a deliberate attempt to capture and comprehend the essence of architecture and city life. In her lens, architecture becomes a living, breathing entity, and cities unfold as vibrant tapestries of colour and character. Her work is characterized by an unwavering pursuit of impressive spaces. Her lens seeks out the extraordinary in the mundane, portraying cities as ever-evolving stories. With a keen eye for detail, she documents the interplay of light and shadow, the symmetry of structures, and the dynamic hues that define urban landscapes. In her quest to uncover the soul of architecture and cities, Yiyang Li remains dedicated to the exploration of new perspectives. Always in search of impressive spaces and colourful city characters, she invites viewers to see the world through her lens—an immersive journey where architecture and urban life coalesce into a visual symphony.
Yiyang Li's dual role as an architect and photographer not only enriches her understanding of the built environment but also invites audiences to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the spaces we inhabit.
Xin Ran Wang
Jian Liang
