NIKKEN-SEKKEI

A Japanese architecture firm has won the 420 million euro ($460 million) tender to renovate Barcelona’s Camp Nou, the Catalan club announced on Wednesday.

Nikken Sekkei, known for its construction of stadia and skyscrapers, were chosen out of a list of 26 candidates.

The extensive Camp Nou facelift is due to start in 2017 and be completed for the 2021-2022 season.

Also working on the massive project are Spanish architects Joan Pascual and Ramon Ausio.

The iconic home of the Spanish and European champions which opened in 1957 will involve increasing the seating capacity from 99,350 to 105,000.

Nikken Sekkei’s design “stood out because it’s open, elegant, serene, timeless, Mediterranean and democratic” said the club.

Nikken Sekkei were responsible for constructing the Tokyo Dome, home of Japanese baseball team Yomiuri Giants, and the Niigata stadium, one of the 2002 world Cup venues. – Agence France-Presse

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