23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
London: Construction, Commerce, and the COVID-19 Response

A striking urban panorama captured during the COVID-19 lockdown. Even while much of the city was closed, the relentless pace of construction continued in the foreground, symbolizing a defiant hope. The view shows demolition machinery and new foundations beneath the established skyline, hinting at a new future. This feeling of looking forward is magnified by the presence of a nearby facility that was used as a vaccine site (commercial building in midground), representing a collective step toward recovery.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: London, United Kingdom
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Copyright: © Hung Phung QUang