Factory Lisbon

The heritage-protected building sits on Lisbon‘s harbor front, in a historic army supply complex, currently being transformed into an innovation district, Hub Criativo de Beato. Shaped to house noodle machines, the building is 200m long and only 11m wide.

In order to avoid such a disruptive intervention, all circulation has been attached externally.

Here, the stairs are suspended from the ceiling, to minimize their structural impact. The new elevator shaft is clad with mirrors, so it blends with the historic colors and features.

The design approach is to retain old materials and surfaces wherever possible and contrast them with contemporary elements of concrete, steel, glass, and wood.

There is a strong focus on making the venue accessible to a diverse local and international public, beyond that of the typical conference business: current events cover tech, food, gender, skateboarding, fashion, architecture, and art, on both a for- and non-profit basis.

Aligning bold architecture respectfully along its given context is the shared Leitmotiv of Factory‘s founder Simon Schaefer, and the architects Julian Breinersdorfer, José Baganha, and Angela Maurice.

In line with these design principles, all major interventions are drawn as white steel lines.

Andreas crosses have been attached to make the building earthquake resistant, brick façade elements have been opened as white-framed glazing, to bring light in or allow for circulation, and mezzanine floors have been extended to use high spaces more efficiently.

They are visible as technological transformations, adapting the functionality of an old food production facility to contemporary office and event uses.

Historic details like two cookie machines, the yellow perforated brick walls, and damaged marble staircases have been lovingly restored and integrated.