21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Quiet Contemplation in Concrete Oasis

This image was taken at the Brutalist architecture of London's Barbican Centre. The scene is a blend of nature and concrete, with the center's signature textured walls and scattered greenery creating a unique urban landscape. The person's presence adds a sense of scale and humanity to the vast, geometric expanse of the center's plaza.This depicts a solitary person standing in a large, open plaza surrounded by brutalist architecture. Potted plants add touches of greenery to the otherwise stark environment. The person seems to be in a moment of pause, providing a human element to the expansive, empty space that feels both serene and isolating.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: London, United Kingdom
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Copyright: © Zhiling Hu