Andorra Architects Face Slowdown Amid Building Moratoriums and Urban Planning Revisions

Laura Sánchez, dean of the Andorra College of Architects, described the sector as facing a "complicated moment" on Friday, with fewer projects already reaching architects' offices amid active building moratoriums in various parishes and more anticipated as communes revise their urban planning.

She explained that revisions to territorial planning tools and temporary restrictions on new developments are underway to address housing shortages, urban sprawl, and infrastructure gaps. "This year will involve some slowdown in projects unless circumstances change, as the territory is being reordered," Sánchez noted, adding that architects will feel the impact first, with construction firms affected later.

While acknowledging that no one welcomes reduced workloads, she stressed the measures' necessity. "These moratoriums are in place because we have a problem—if not, they wouldn't be," she said. Some parish urban and planning schemes, or POUPs, have already come into force, prompting professionals to begin adapting, though full effects on building activity may not hit until next year.

Sánchez anticipates stable construction levels this year before a dip, viewing the pause as a chance to upskill, as in past similar periods. On forthcoming land law amendments, she predicted "there will be impact," noting such changes always split opinions among developers, architects, and related parties. "Decisions like this don't please everyone, but it's clear they need to happen—let's see if they truly organize Andorra's urban planning."