Altura Arquitectes' 'Plenum' Wins Espai Capital Bullring Site Competition

**Altura Arquitectes' 'Plenum' design wins Espai Capital competition for Andorra la Vella bullring site**

Altura Arquitectes, led by Lluís Ginjaume and Gerard Veciana, has secured first prize in the national ideas competition organised by Andorra la Vella council for the Espai Capital project. The winning 'Plenum' proposal will convert the 10,500-square-metre former bullring site—currently a car park bounded by Prat de la Creu, Doctor Vilanova, and Prada Casadet—into an integrated community space featuring a public plaza, permanent Casa Pairal, multi-purpose fairground, and supporting infrastructure.

The site comprises 2,500 square metres of communal land and roughly 8,000 square metres of private property, secured under a 25-year lease at €30,000 per month. The design prioritises three sectors on communal ground: an intergenerational daily plaza, the Casa Pairal, a multi-purpose hall with removable tiered seating up to level 7, and three parking levels—one at fairground height to support events such as the Fira d'Andorra la Vella. Initial parking capacity stands at around 80 spaces, with scope for 80 more underground. The fairground provides a 40-by-80-metre arena at 18 metres high, accommodating 3,500 seated for concerts, up to 7,000 standing for major spectacles, sports, or large-scale catering.

Two compact buildings, separated by a 10-metre gap with an optional covered link, incorporate green roofs with photovoltaic panels. The layout leverages the natural slope to avoid subterranean work near the river, prioritising public space over extensive excavation. A potential fourth sector could later link to Plaça del Poble. The modular elements on leased land allow disassembly after 25 years if the agreement ends.

The announcement took place on Tuesday in the Consòrcia hall at the Centre de Congressos, where Altura Arquitectes received €10,000. Andorra la Vella cònsol major Sergi González praised the eight entries, noting all met council goals and offered potential for hybrid ideas. He described the project as an ambitious yet realistic initiative to open up the capital and enhance cultural activity, starting with the initial three sectors to ensure communal viability long-term.

Tourism Minister Jordi Torres confirmed the design aligns with government needs after early issues were resolved. The executive plans to cover 30-40% of the multi-purpose venue's costs, capped at €15 million overall, and will co-manage via an upcoming agreement reserving annual slots for Andorra Turisme events—including international shows, sports, and culture through 2027, such as Cirque du Soleil commitments.

A 14-member jury, comprising council members, technicians, Andorra Turisme representatives, and architects, selected the winner. Altura Arquitectes, known for local works including the Illa shelter, Parc de l'Ossa, Cal Gastó refurbishment, Borda el Cultià, and the Sant Vicenç d'Enclar bell tower reconstruction with partners, now has about three months for the preliminary design. Ginjaume and Veciana emphasised refining the programme collaboratively with authorities, given the challenges of large-span structures.

Second place and €8,000 went to Sònia Palau's 'Allà on Andorra es retroba' from Palau Arquitectura; third, €5,000 to Marc Monegal's 'El nexe' from MM Arquitectes. Technical planning will proceed in phases for this flexible, sustainable venue.