Andorra Launches First Architecture Awards to Celebrate Excellence

The Col·legi Oficial d'Arquitectes d'Andorra (COAA) has launched the first Premis d'Arquitectura d'Andorra (PAA), an annual awards programme designed to recognise outstanding architecture across the Principality.

COAA dean Laura Sánchez and board member Eulàlia Badia, who heads the awards commission, announced the initiative following a proposal from a registered architect. The awards seek to promote high-quality projects that emphasise sustainability, innovation, professional responsibility and integration with Andorra's mountainous terrain. Badia highlighted the goal of countering negative media coverage of subpar designs by celebrating strong examples, taking cues from established prizes such as Girona's architecture awards or Barcelona's FAD awards, but adapted to local mountain contexts.

Only COAA-registered architects may submit projects built anywhere in Andorra. Entries fall into four categories: new builds, landscaping, rehabilitation and renovation, and a public prize open to votes from all citizens via premisarquitectura.ad. The 2026 edition—termed an "edition zero"—accepts works from any period, provided they are presented by the original architect. Starting in 2027, submissions will cover only projects completed in the prior calendar year.

The submission window runs from 23 February to 13 March through the dedicated website. An international jury, comprising Andorran Pere Aixàs, France's Yann Legouis and Spain's Marta Peris, will conduct on-site inspections of shortlisted entries on 26 and 27 May. Winners will be announced at a gala on 4 June.

Prizes offer primarily professional recognition and global exposure, along with a plaque for the winning building and a unique artwork commissioned each year from a local artist—the creator for this edition has been chosen but not yet revealed. Organisers also plan a catalogue of all entries and an itinerant public exhibition to raise awareness.