Clarion Hotel, Helsinki

Posted in Projects on 8 December, 2017

The Clarion Hotel in Helsinki, which opened in October 2016, has added a new landmark to the up-and-coming dockland district Jätkäsaarider. With two 16-storey towers, the building dominates the skyline. Its exceptional interior is equally striking – the hotel is furnished from top to bottom with iconic designs from Vitra and Artek…

More than just a hotel, the Clarion is an inspirational meeting place with open areas for use by travellers and locals. It is designed with 425 stylishly appointed rooms and suites, an open-plan

Kitchen & Table restaurant, inviting lounges and a rooftop pool with terrace, from which to enjoy a breath-taking view of the Finnish capital.

The appealing interior mirrors the long established trend in the hotel sector, in which spacious rooms, minibars, TVs and anonymity are being supplanted by individuality, social community, versatile solutions and entertainment zones. When designing interiors, the focus is now on creating an unmistakeable identity, moving away from standardised furnishings and a universal appearance.

Different styles generate a home-like atmosphere that boasts flexible functionality, with the priority on the well-being and comfort of the guests.

The rooms and suites of the Clarion Hotel and its restaurant, bars, lobby and conference rooms are all equipped with a series of carefully selected chairs, tables, sofas, loungers, armchairs and wall clocks from the Vitra and Artek portfolios. These include the Meda Slim Chair, Folding Table, Place Sofa and Softshell Chair from Vitra or the Kiki Lounge Chair and Bench, Domus Chair, Artek Table and Trienna Table from Artek. This unique collage of furniture, objects and accessories embodies the identity of the hotel, lending character to the interior and bringing the rooms to life – light years away from the stereotypical hotel atmosphere.

Arthur Buchardt – the investor behind the Clarion Hotel, which is part of the Nordic Choice Hotel chain – sees this sophisticated, design oriented approach as a defining concept. The property developer is a design aficionado, and it was clear from the outset that the rooms and other spaces were to be furnished exclusively with legendary classics and innovative creations by contemporary designers from Vitra and Artek. “Clarion hotels are meeting places. I want an interior that definitely reflects this vision. International guests should experience a Finnish atmosphere, and feel at home in the country,” he says. “One of the two towers has a Finnish-style interior in light colour tones, while the darker shades of the other tower exude a more international atmosphere. We selected timeless iconic designs, such as around 200 units of the famous Eames Lounge Chair by Vitra, as furnishings. Finnish design is also represented by the 611 chair created by Alvar Aalto for Artek.”

Vitra developed the plans for unique furnishings within a tight schedule, in close cooperation with the owner and the interior designer Davidsson Tarkela in Helsinki.

Drawing on experience from countless projects worldwide, Vitra is a reliable partner from planning through to after-sales service. Vitra’s identity has always been closely linked to the hospitality sector. Designer Charles Eames’s motto ‘Be a good host!’ remains the Swiss furniture manufacturer’s mission statement to this date. The underlying concept is to approach each design task with the attitude of a good host, anticipating the needs of the guest. Collaborating closely with hotels and restaurants, Vita’s goal is to also help them play the part of a good host – offering their guests nothing but the best.