Sustainable Vs Unsustainable Call

International Research Call 2025 – 26

Themes: Places, Spaces and Projects

Objective and Vision

We invite individuals, communities, and professionals from diverse international and interdisciplinary backgrounds to participate in a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainability. This research call encourages participants to submit photographs that illustrate what is sustainable and what is not across a wide range of fields, including products, architecture, landscapes, urban planning, infrastructure, rivers, lakes, construction, technology, and more. The objective is to raise awareness and deepen understanding of sustainable and unsustainable practices, helping guide us toward informed decisions for a better and more sustainable future. Whether found in your own community, neighborhood, or city, this is your chance to share examples of both the positive and negative, so we can learn and improve together.

What We’re Looking For:

C1 – Sustainable

The photo should explain: What makes a project or space sustainable? Is it the materials, the surrounding natural environment, the climate, behavior, usage, design, conservation practices, or something else? Show us what sustainability looks like to you and how it contributes to the well-being of the planet and society.

C2 – UnSustainable

The photo should explain: Why is a project or space not sustainable? What factors contribute to its lack of sustainability? Does it rely on harmful materials, damage ecosystems, or negatively impact the climate? Or is it due to inefficient use, poor construction, irresponsible behavior, or pollution? Help us understand the consequences of unsustainable practices.

Submission Guidelines:

Submit one (1) original photograph of a place, space or project that illustrates sustainability or its lack thereof.

Provide a 400-word explanation detailing the sustainability or unsustainability of the subject.

Include the following project details:

Project Name

Location (City, Country)

Category: Sustainable or UnSustainable

Photos must be taken by the author after May 2025. Third-party photos are not allowed.

All photo copyrights must belong to the submitting author.

A maximum of two (2) participants per team is allowed.

Submission Process:

Register for the call and send your registration receipt to receive your registration ID. Email to: research.socb@gmail.com

Submit your sustainable or unsustainable photograph with 400-word explanation, and project details to: research.socb@gmail.com

Categories:

C1. Sustainable

C2. UnSustainable

*If you wish to participate in both categories you need register saperatly.

Recognition and Impact:

The top 8 projects from both categories will be exhibited and published, offering global exposure.

The top 6 winning projects and 2 special mention will be featured on the cover of a SOCB journal, special issue book, or magazine, gaining significant recognition in the sustainability community.

Key Dates:

Registration for students below 18 years (Until 30 July) (need to provide certificate or letter from school that student is below 18 years)

Early Registration: Until 30 July

Regular Registration: Until 30 September

Late Registration: Until 30 November

Submission Deadline: 20 December 2025

Winner Announcement: 26 January 2026

Exhibition and Book Materials: February 2026

Exhibition: June 2026

In the Heart of Vienna with 17 Million Visitors Annually and 350,000 Visitors Per Week.

Book: June 2026

Winners and Special Mention Projects in Special Issue Publication.

SOCB Cover Page:

Winner projects will be on cover pages of SOCB School of Collectively Building Magazines, Journals or Books.

This is your chance to make a meaningful contribution to the global conversation on sustainability. Showcase your innovative ideas, solutions, and observations, and inspire positive change. Your work could not only shape the future of sustainability but also be recognized on an international platform.

Eligibility: Open to all from schools students to professionals.

More information: https://schoolofcollectivelybuilding.com/2025/05/29/sustainable-vs-unsustainable/