Beazley Designs of the Year People's Choice Winner

Brick arches

Made from ordinary bricks, these small but powerful structures were used by Hong Kong protestors from the pro-democracy movement as roadblocks to slow down police vehicles.

When struck by a wheel, the top block falls away leaving the two remaining bricks, which together form a buttress that prevents the wheel from moving forward. These arches were referred to locally as ‘mini-Stonehenges’ or ‘brick battlegrounds’.

Easier to make and more difficult to clear than ordinary roadblocks, they became widespread when the protests escalated in November 2019.

Designed by Hong Kong protestors.

Beazley Designs of the Year

Explore the best designs across fashion, architecture, digital, transport, product and graphic design, nominated by design experts and the public.