Altura Arquitectes Wins Andorra Espai Capital Design Contest with 'Plenum'

**Altura Arquitectes has won the design competition for Andorra la Vella's Espai Capital project with its 'Plenum' proposal, which will transform the former bullring site—currently used as a car park—into a permanent home for the Casa Pairal alongside a multifunctional venue.**

The announcement came on Tuesday at an event in the Consòrcia hall of the Congress Centre, where Andorra la Vella's first consul, Sergi González, praised the eight entries for meeting the council's goals. Altura Arquitectes, led by Lluís Ginjaume and Gerard Veciana, received the top prize of €10,000. Second place and €8,000 went to Sònia Palau's 'Allà on Andorra es retroba', while Marc Monegal's 'El nexe' took third and €5,000.

Spanning 10,500 square metres—2,500 owned by the council and the rest privately held under a 25-year lease at €30,000 monthly—the project divides the site into three integrated zones on land between Prat de la Creu, Doctor Vilanova, and Prada Casadet. The council-owned section will house the Casa Pairal, a public square, a polivalent hall, and parking for 80 vehicles, with an optional underground level adding another 80 spaces. No basements were planned for the main structures due to the nearby river, though the site's topography was used to fit everything compactly.

The leased private plot will host the modular, demountable fairground venue, separated by a 10-metre covered passageway. Measuring 40 by 80 metres with an 18-metre height (expandable), it features tiered seating up to level 7 and can hold 3,500 seated for concerts or 7,000 standing for major events, sports, or large catering. Green roofs with vegetation and photovoltaic cells will promote sustainability, alongside water retention and drainage systems. A future fourth phase could link to Plaça del Poble.

The council secured the lease for long-term stability, ensuring the council-owned elements remain if the agreement ends. Architects now have three months to deliver a preliminary design, which will set timelines and costs. The original tender estimated €15 million, though rising material prices may increase this; works could start after dismantling the Cirque du Soleil tent in mid-August.

Tourism Minister Jordi Torres hailed the plan as matching government needs for a national multifunctional space to host international events, continuing commitments like Cirque du Soleil through 2027. The government will fund 30-40% of the venue's construction—around €5 million based on estimates—and share management via an upcoming agreement, reserving annual slots for its activities. A 14-member jury, including council members, technicians, Andorra Turisme representatives, and professional bodies, selected the winner objectively.