Architecture that respects the past: factory in Tropha transforms into city hall

Trofa City Hall,
design: NOARQ

[Material prepared from the studio's author's description]

In the heart of Portugal's youngest municipality, Trofa, a new town hall has been built that combines industrial heritage with the demands of contemporary architecture. The project, carried out by the NOARQ studio, transformed the former buildings of the "Indústria Alimentar Trofense" factory into a modern administrative facility. The investment, which includes both renovation and expansion, responds to the long-standing needs of the municipality, which was the only one in the country without a dedicated institutional building. This project, set at the intersection of history and innovation, is noteworthy for its simplicity, functionality and deeply considered sustainability strategy.

Trofa City Hall - bird's eye view

photo by Duccio Malagamba © NOARQ

from the abyss of the past: the project context

Trofa, located in northern Portugal, struggled for more than 25 years with the dispersion of administrative functions in makeshift urban spaces. The lack of a central city hall building was not only a logistical problem, but also a symbolic one - the young municipality needed a place that embodied its identity and aspirations. A plot of land of about 6200 square meters, located in the southern part of the city center, adjacent to an abandoned railroad line, posed a challenge. The site, occupied by a former industrial complex, was neglected and incomplete, requiring the designers to be particularly sensitive to the historical and urban context.

NOARQ studio decided to preserve only the key factory building, integrating it into the new structure. The expansion included the addition of an underground level and an increase in floor space to 6,700 square meters, while maintaining a building footprint of 1,996 square meters. The project had to take into account a limited budget, strict sustainability requirements and the need to minimize maintenance costs, which became the starting point for the design strategy.

NOARQ studio decided to retain only the key factory building, integrating it into the new structure

© NOARQ

geometric discipline: the architecture of the city hall

The Trofa City Hall building consists of five parallel volumes with a rectangular plan, arranged over three floors. Each of them performs a specific function, creating a coherent and clear spatial arrangement. The first block is responsible for vertical and horizontal communication, ensuring a smooth flow of users. The next two, located at the extremities of the former factory building, house the main administrative spaces that house all city services. The third block, adjacent to the west elevation, was designed as an open public space, allowing visual connectivity between different levels and integration with the landscape. The fourth block, at the southern end, plays an analogous role, reinforcing the idea of common space. The fifth, underground, is designed for parking, technical rooms and storage.

The minimalist body of the city hall is based on simple lines and geometric forms

photo by Duccio Malagamba © NOARQ

The entire structure reaches a maximum height of 17.14 meters, and its minimalist massing is based on simple lines and geometric forms. The facades, varied in materials, combine the austerity of dark, textured concrete with light-colored surfaces, which gives the mass an orderly character.

The interiors of the City Hall are characterized by a brutalist aesthetic, where the raw, concrete surfaces of the walls and floors contrast with the spaciousness of the rooms. High ceilings and wide glazing, such as that seen in the main lobby with the piano, bring natural light into the space, enhancing the impression of openness and monumentality.

Interior view of the Trofa City Hall

Photo by Duccio Malagamba © NOARQ

for the future: sustainability

A key design consideration was to achieve sustainability in a broad sense - from the ecology of materials to the economics of maintenance. The architects relied on local technologies and raw materials, minimizing transportation and carbon emissions. The structure is made of concrete, thermally insulated from the outside, and finished with an outer layer of brick, ensuring durability and weather resistance. The choice of these materials is not just aesthetic - concrete and brick, as integral elements of the structure, reduce the need for additional finishing layers, lowering the building's ecological footprint over its lifetime.

Trofa City Hall - building plan

© NOARQ

Sustainability in the design of the city hall goes beyond standard solutions. Respect for the industrial heritage is expressed in the preservation of the original factory building, which has become the heart of the new structure. This strategy not only protects the historic fabric of the city, but also gives City Hall a unique character rooted in local identity. In addition, the building is equipped with advanced technical systems, such as HVAC, thermal control, noise reduction and communication networks that meet modern requirements for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Trofa City Hall - sketches

© NOARQ

reduction to essential

The innovation of the project lies in the consistent reduction to the essential. The architects rejected artificial materials, opting for natural raw materials such as concrete, brick and glass. This simplicity, inspired by the spirit of Portuguese architecture, evokes classic values: structure, space, scale and proportion. The building responds to contemporary challenges - limited budgets, the need for certification, safety requirements and inclusivity - without compromising on functionality or aesthetics.

The open public space, reminiscent of medieval town halls, reinforces the relationship between residents and administration. Glass walls of offices and service spaces eliminate barriers, creating a sense of community and transparency. The plaza in front of the building, with young trees and benches, becomes a natural extension of the interior, encouraging interaction and social integration.

Trofa City Hall - view of the lot

© NOARQ

Trofa 's new icon

The Trofa City Hall is an example of architecture that combines functionality with deep reflection on context and time. The NOARQ studio has created a building that not only responds to the practical needs of the municipality, but also sets a new standard in thinking about public space. The minimalist form, sustainable materials and respect for heritage make the City Hall a versatile building, able to cope with the unpredictability of the future. It is an architecture that does not impose itself, but invites - to use, reflect and dialogue with the city.

Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina

Illustrations provided courtesy of NOARQ studio.