Architecture nominee

This is a photo of a staircase in a former hotel.

In the early 20th century, after chemical analysis had taken place and revealed the uniqueness of the water, the city this building is located in, was officially declared a medical spa resort. Building of the resort started around 5 years later. In the 50’s of the 20th century, the city was an important spa-resort during the Soviet era. At different times, there were built 9 bathing houses and 19 sanatoriums. Bathing house #6, which is the largest still functioning thermal bath today, was built exclusively for Joseph Stalin in the 1950’s. In 2015 a new medical thermal center erected, which contrasts with a lot of buildings that are in heavy decay in the rest of the city.

My name is Roman, a 31-year-old urban-obsessed and award winning photographer, born and raised in the enchanting South of the Netherlands. I shoot unique photos of undisclosed abandoned places. It’s the area of ‘Urban’ Photography.

When I started my Urban photography journey, I mostly saw empty, abandoned and decayed buildings. It didn’t take long before curiosity struck me. What was the story behind those buildings? Who used to live there? What purpose did these objects serve and why were they abandoned? This curiosity created a close bond between me and Urban photography and I have since visited so many beautiful locations all over the world. The opportunity to take a peek behind closed doors is a truly unique experience, both relaxing and enticing at the same time. I immerse in the surroundings, but am also watching my every step and listening closely to every sound trying not to draw any attention.

I specialize in uniquely capturing interiors and exteriors of a variety of buildings, cultural heritage and monuments working with natural light only.