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The RIBA has announced an open international design competition for a ‘dramatic and inspirational’ roadside structure to be known as The Wall of Answered Prayer

The landmark is planned for a prominent location on a motorway outside London and will be constructed from a million bricks, each one symbolising a prayer answered, and funded by a £10 donation.The completed structure will equal the size of 62 semi-detached houses.

Backed by Christian charity Network, the Evangelical Council for the Manchester Area Trust, the competition invites ‘talented designers’ to submit anonymous proposals for the public art commission.

The concept was devised by former Leicester City FC chaplain Richard Gamble and has so far received more than £47,000 in crowdfunded donations.

Commenting on the contest, Gamble said: ‘It was a real thrill for us to hit our crowdfunding target earlier in the year. That has enabled us to partner with the RIBA to run a global design competition. Now in just a matter of months we will be able to get an idea of what The Wall of Answered Prayer will look like.’

The wall is expected to play a major role in boosting regeneration in its surrounding area, rivalling Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North, which generates substantial revenues for the local economy each year.

A shortlist of sites for the new monument is being considered and its exact location is expected to be announced next year. Every brick in the structure will be matched by an additional brick donated for social housing in the UK and overseas.

Judges include Renato Benedetti of Benedetti Architects, acting as RIBA adviser; BBC TV Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes; and MP Stephen Timms, an evangelical Christian.

Benedetti said: ‘We are looking for very high quality, deliverable, innovative submissions which will inspire and intrigue.’

Timms added: ‘This project has created a lot of interest since the idea was launched earlier this year, with many people asking what might this prayer landmark look like.

‘Over these coming months, we will see people around the world join the journey, submitting concept designs. I anticipate a large number of entries to keep the judges on our toes, as we carefully see the next stage of this project come alive.’

Up to five shortlisted teams will each receive £4,000 + VAT to participate in the competition’s second stage.

The deadline for submissions is 2pm on 7 November.