Spotify Camp Nou architecture and design

Originally opened in 1957, the Spotify Camp Nou was crafted by architects Francesc Mitjans, Josep Soteras, and Lorenzo García-Barbón to reflect both function and form. Over the decades, its structure has evolved—from its sweeping bowl-shaped tiers to the modern upgrades of the ongoing Espai Barça project. This page explores how the stadium’s design has adapted to meet the needs of fans, players, and the future of football.

Spotify Camp Nou achitecture & design | Quick overview

  • Official name: Spotify Camp Nou
  • Attraction type: Football stadium
  • Location: Carrer d'Arístides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
  • Founded in: 1957
  • Area: 5,000 square meters (592,000 square feet)
  • Architectural style: Modernism
  • Main Architects: Francesc Mitjans Miró and Josep Soteras Mauri

Who designed Spotify Camp Nou?

Francesc Mitjans Miró

The man with the plan. Francesc Mitjans Miró was the lead architect of Spotify Camp Nou, and his vision for the stadium is still evident today. He was inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, and he wanted to create a stadium that was both functional and beautiful. He succeeded in this goal, and Spotify Camp Nou is now one of the most famous stadiums in the world.

Josep Soteras Mauri

The right-hand man. Josep Soteras Mauri was Mitjans Miró's partner in crime, and he helped to bring the architect's vision to life. He was responsible for the stadium's structural engineering, and he made sure that it was both safe and sound. He also helped to design the stadium's interior, and he created a space that was both comfortable and inviting for spectators.

Lorenzo García Barbón

The wild card. Lorenzo García Barbón was a young architect who was brought on board to help with the project. He was responsible for some of the stadium's most innovative features, such as the cantilevered roof. He was also known for his sense of humor, and he often joked that he was the "mad scientist" of the team.

Stages of construction

Planning and Design

The stadium was designed by Francesc Mitjans Miró and Josep Soteras Mauri, and construction began in 1955. The stadium was originally designed to have a capacity of 93,054, but this was later increased to 99,354.

Construction

Construction of the stadium was completed in 1957. The stadium was built in a horseshoe-shaped design, with a single tier of seating on all four sides. The roof was supported by a series of concrete beams, and the exterior was made of white concrete.

Expansion

In 1980, the stadium was expanded to accommodate the 1982 FIFA World Cup. A third tier of seating was added, and the capacity of the stadium was increased to 120,000.

Renovation

The stadium is currently undergoing a renovation that is expected to be completed in 2026. The renovation will include the demolition of the third tier of seating, the construction of a new roof, and the modernization of the stadium's facilities.

Spotify Camp Nou architecture & design

Camp nou Stadium

Originally inaugurated in 1957, Spotify Camp Nou was designed by architects Francesc Mitjans, Josep Soteras, and Lorenzo García-Barbón. The goal was simple yet ambitious: to create a stadium large enough to match FC Barcelona’s growing popularity and to reflect the club’s prestige on and off the pitch.

Key Architectural Features

  • Bowl-shaped structure: The stadium was designed with a tiered bowl structure to maximize visibility from every seat and maintain a strong connection between the fans and the pitch.
  • No roof: Unlike many stadiums of its time, Spotify Camp Nou was originally built without a roof, which emphasized openness and allowed natural light to flood the stands.
  • Asymmetrical design: The main stand was originally taller than the others due to budget constraints, creating an asymmetrical appearance that became famous.

Spotify Camp Nou architecture - Exterior

Camp nou

Facade

The facade of Spotify Camp Nou is made of white concrete and is divided into three sections. The central section is the tallest and features a large electronic scoreboard. The two side sections are shorter and feature the stadium's name and crest.

Camp nou Doorway

Doorways

There are a total of 15 doorways on the exterior of Spotify Camp Nou. The main doorway is located in the center of the facade and is flanked by two large towers. The other doorways are located on all four sides of the stadium and provide access to the stands.

Camp nou

Towers

There are two towers on the exterior of Spotify Camp Nou. The towers are located on either side of the main doorway and are topped with spires. The towers are used to support the roof of the stadium and also provide a vantage point for spectators.

Johan Cruyff

Other features

The exterior of Spotify Camp Nou also features a number of other features, including a large plaza, a fountain, and a statue of Johan Cruyff. The plaza is used for events and gatherings, the fountain provides a focal point for the stadium, and the statue of Johan Cruyff is a tribute to one of the club's most famous players.

Spotify Camp Nou architecture - interiors

Camp nou Interiors

Floorplan

The floorplan of Spotify Camp Nou is a horseshoe shape, with a single tier of seating on all four sides. The stands are divided into three sections: the lower tier, the middle tier, and the upper tier. The lower tier is the largest section, and it is where the most expensive seats are located. The middle tier is slightly smaller, and the upper tier is the smallest section.

Camp nou seats

Color scheme

The color scheme of Spotify Camp Nou is primarily white, with accents of blue and red. The white concrete exterior is contrasted by the blue and red seats, which create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. The color scheme is also reflected in the stadium's signage and branding.

Camp nou architecture

Architecture and design style

The architecture and design style of Spotify Camp Nou is a classic example of modernist architecture. The horseshoe-shaped design is inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, and the use of concrete and steel reflects the modernist emphasis on function over form. The cantilevered roof provides shade and shelter for the spectators, and it also helps to create a sense of openness and spaciousness.

Camp nou Vip Box

Specific sections worth mentioning

There are a number of specific sections inside Spotify Camp Nou that are worth mentioning. These include:

  • The presidential box: The presidential box is located in the center of the stadium and is reserved for the club's president, board of directors, and guests.
  • The VIP lounges: The VIP lounges are located on all four sides of the stadium and offer premium amenities, such as private seating, catering, and bars.
  • The press room: The press room is located in the basement of the stadium and is used by journalists to cover matches and events.
  • The museum: The museum is located in the basement of the stadium and tells the history of FC Barcelona.

Frequently asked questions about Spotify Camp Nou architecture

Who designed Spotify Camp Nou?

The original stadium was designed by a team of architects: Francesc Mitjans, Josep Soteras, and Lorenzo García-Barbón. Their design aimed to accommodate Barcelona’s growing fanbase with modernist, functional architecture.

What architectural style is Spotify Camp Nou known for?

Spotify Camp Nou is known for its Modernist and Brutalist influences, focusing on functionality, fan visibility, and structural openness without excessive ornamentation.

Why was the stadium built without a roof?

The stadium was originally constructed without a roof to reduce costs and allow natural light into the stands. A full roof will be added as part of the current renovation.

How has the architecture of Spotify Camp Nou changed over time?

Over the decades, Spotify Camp Nou has undergone various upgrades, including seating expansions, VIP boxes, and better facilities. The current Espai Barça renovation will completely modernize the design, including a retractable roof, solar panels, and digital enhancements.

What is Espai Barça, and how will it impact the architecture?

Espai Barça is a massive redevelopment project that includes renovating Spotify Camp Nou into a smart, sustainable stadium with an increased capacity, covered seating, and improved fan facilities, while respecting the original structure’s spirit.

What materials were used in building the stadium?

The original construction primarily used reinforced concrete and steel, typical of mid-20th-century stadium architecture, chosen for durability and structural flexibility.

Is the stadium wheelchair accessible under the new design?

Yes, the renovation includes significant improvements to accessibility, with more lifts, ramps, and seating areas for visitors with reduced mobility.

Will the renovated stadium still look like the original?

While the new design will modernize the stadium, it will preserve key structural elements of the original, maintaining its historic silhouette while adding contemporary features.

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