Snug Architects has won a long-running competition to design a ‘dramatic and inspirational’ piece of architectural sculpture for the outskirts of Birmingham.

The vision of Richard Gamble, former Leicester City Football Club Chaplain, The Wall of Answered Prayer is to be a lasting monument and piece of public art incorporating part of the client’s requirement for a million bricks - each representing an individual story of hope and faith - to feature in the design. The arching structure which dominates Snug’s design will be situated on a strategic 10-acre site between the M6, M42 and HS2, and is expected to be seen by more than 300,000 people every day.

The design is based on the topological concept of a Möbius strip - a non-orientable surface which seemingly has no beginning and no end - to create a continuous loop of wall that allows visitors to process through a triumphant arch, before encircling the wall. The arch, with seemingly no support where the strip curves and twists, will be over 40m high with an 80m span. This will make it significantly larger in scale than Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North, which is 20m tall, with wings measuring 54m across, and will create an awe inspiring and dynamic visitor experience that is rich with symbolism.

Gleeds is appointed as principle client advisor and project manager to the project. The start of construction is due in 2020, with completion aimed ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham.