GBS Students Capture Construction in Action With a Selfie Competition

Construction management students at GBS saw their summer through a different lens – one that looked up, out, and into the built world around them.

Seeing the built world differently

From city skylines to housing redevelopments, every structure holds a story of design, teamwork and progress. Earlier this summer, GBS construction management students were challenged to capture that story, one photo at a time.

The GBS Construction Selfie Competition invited students across GBS campuses to take photographs of themselves alongside buildings that inspired them, from live construction sites and local landmarks to projects abroad. The brief was simple: look at construction not just as concrete and steel, but also as a reflection of what they are learning and the careers they are pursuing.

Moments of creativity and curiosity

Submissions poured in from across the UK and beyond, each offering a student’s personal take on what makes a building worth noticing. Some focused on design details, others on scale or structure, but all shared a sense of curiosity and pride in the craft.

From the classroom to the construction site

For Adrian Carp, who studies construction management while working full-time, the competition became more than a photo challenge. It was a reminder of how theory meets practice.

His two entries, one capturing a building in mid-refurbishment and another showing a completed high-rise, tell a story of progress. “It made me connect with what I’m learning about architecture, building safety and sustainability to real-world examples,” Adrian says.

In Manchester, Liam Phythian took his winning photo from the top of a cherry picker while on-site, turning an everyday moment at work into something memorable.

“At first, I just thought it would be a bit of fun,” says Liam on reflection. “But it made me more curious about the project I was working on and that’s what studying construction is all about.”

Learning beyond the classroom

The competition sparked a sense of connection and creativity across GBS campuses, showing how students view the built world through both technical and human eyes.

That blend of skill and perspective defines construction management at GBS. It is not just about learning how to build, but understanding why it matters to the people who design, construct and live within these spaces.

Interested in shaping the future of construction?

At GBS, you will learn the practical skills, technical understanding and confidence required to manage projects that shape communities. With flexible study options, hands-on assignments and supportive lecturers, you can grow your career from the ground up.

Explore construction management courses at GBS.