Nikken Sekki, the Japanese architectural, engineering and urban design firm, has announced that preparatory construction on FC Barcelona’s new stadium, the Futr Camp Nou, has broken ground.

In a statement released during the first day of Cityscape Global at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the firm said that the existing stadium is in the process of being expanded and renovated at a cost of $381.1 million. Construction will be completed in phases over four years and will take place both during and off the football season.

The designers added that they expect the first ball to be kicked in the newly completed stadium at the start of the 2024/2025 season. A total of 41 architects and engineers from Nikken and 27 subcontractors are currently working on the project at the firm’s branch office in Barcelona, it said.

“Our design is not only respectful to the original Camp Nou architecture, it is also incorporates the magic that has been woven into the history of the stadium,” said Dr Fadi Jabri, Nikken Sekki’s executive officer, principle responsible for MENA, CIS, India, Australia and Europe regions.

“The design is one for the ages, it will always be relevant and will provide the people of Barcelona with an iconic structure to enjoy throughout the year, not just on match days.”

Many of the facilities within the stadium will have an open feel to them to take advantage of the typically warm weather found in Barcelona, Spain. However, seats within the stadium will be covered by a new roof that will harvest rainwater to help water the pitch, while also featuring solar energy panels for lighting certain elements of the stadium.

Nikken were originally one of eight teams presenting bids, and in early 2016 the Espai Barça jury unanimously selected the design bid tendered by Nikken Sekkei + Pascual-Ausió Arquitectes. After concept design phase, the local architect’s position was taken over by b720 Fermín Vázquez Arquitectos. The design was commended for its relationship with the environment and its diverse urban usage.

This is Nikken’s first stadium in Europe, having already completed stadia in the company’s homeland of Japan, including Tokyo Dome, Saitama Super Arena, Kashima Stadium and Niigata’s Big Swan Stadium.