The main goal of the present thesis is the reconnection of the old tobacco industry with the city of Volos and the reuse of this historical building. The old industry Matsaggos is considered an important part of the industrial history of Volos, playing a leader role in the society and the economy of the city. The whole complex was constructed gradually, during three basic periods. Each face of the construction represents the different architectural style of each industrial era. These characteristics are the main reason of the preservation of the complex.

Today the whole complex belongs to the University of Thessaly and partially has been restored. The renovated part houses the department of Economics and the rest of the complex has remained unexploited. Our thesis focuses on this part of the complex, which is located on the centre of the city, next to a very popular commercial area. The location of the buildings is ideal for public use and especially for university installations. After our personal research, we decided that the department of History, Archaeology and Social Anthropology, could transmit into the existing building.

During the design process, we tried to maintain all these features that reveal the history and the glamour of the industry. One part of the factory was maintained and the rest was decided to be built anew. At the same time we create a new path that connects Ermou Street with the Matsaggo’s stoa. The challenge during the design process was to balance between the existing historical elements with the new building environment.