FC Barcelona has officially presented plans for its new Camp Nou Stadium, showing more details of the major renovation. In March 2016, Japanese firm Nikken Sekkei and local architects Pascual-ausió were selected to complete the project, converting the existing structure into an arena capable of hosting modern day sporting activity. Plans involve adding a larger roof canopy to the existing stadium, first built by Francesc Mitjans in 1957, and expanding the venue’s capacity to a total of 105,000 spectators — cementing its status as the biggest club stadium in the world. Construction work is expected to begin in 2017, with completion scheduled for 2021.
The competition-winning scheme features an open façade that comprises three open concourses protected by pitched eaves. Integrated within the stadium campus, the venue maintains a connection with the street on all sides, while 12 vertical circulation cores provide access to the second and third tiers. The design also includes a spacious ‘sky deck’ overlooking the seating bowl and the city beyond. From an environmental perspective, the venue harvests both rainwater and energy from the sun.
The new 47,000 square meter roof ensures that all 105,000 spectators are protected from rain and direct sunlight. This gesture also boosts interior acoustics and reduces noise heard outside of the arena. Constructed with steel cables, and clad with ETFE, PTFE and polycarbonate, the roof collects rain as well as energy from the sun. These natural resources are used to water the pitch and power the turf’s grow lights. The structure also includes large scoreboards, pitch lighting, speakers and wifi access points.
The new Camp Nou offers improved visibility from all seating areas. The first level will be completely rebuilt, while the second storey maintains its current appearance, offering increased visibility, comfort, and accessibility. The third tier will encircle the whole ground above the main stand. A 360 degree walkway, known as the ‘sky deck’, will encompass the entire arena, offering sweeping panoramic views. The entire remodeling process will go ahead without interrupting the club’s fixture schedule. Construction will happen in stages, to be concluded in the 2020/21 campaign, although the definitive schedule is still pending approval.
