Foresighted change
The Best Western Plus Hotel Plaza is located in the only high-rise building in the Swedish city of Västerås. Rising 81 metres into the sky, it is situated in the city centre. Designed by architects Boris Culjat and Bengt Ahlqvist and built between 1988 and 1990, this landmark continues to shape the cityscape with its combination of brick, glass, and multi-faceted structure. Its generous glass façades, central skylight and striking height create architectural conditions that combine openness, light and urban presence. These qualities formed the basis of the comprehensive redesign of the hotel’s public areas.
For the renovation of the 13,000-square-metre space, the interior designers at Kinnarps developed a concept that builds on and highlights the existing architecture. The aim was to create a new sense of space, establishing the hotel as a vibrant meeting place for international guests and the local community alike. The furnishings play a central role in this, structuring and zoning the spacious areas to give them a clear identity. The spatial focal point is the lobby with its 14-metre-high ceiling – the impressive ceiling height remains a tangible feature and is now brought into dialogue with the space through the furnishings. Even when larger groups of guests are present, the space retains its sense of openness and atmosphere. Kinnarps' design, featuring natural tones and an organic form language, offers visual calm that meets high functional requirements. The 'Aura' sofa and matching armchair have clean lines and elegant proportions. Subtle details such as distinctive piping and various base options create differentiation and contribute to the cosy atmosphere.
The newly redesigned reception area seamlessly connects the various zones of the building and serves a variety of functions. Accordingly, the furnishings should also be as flexible as possible and visually reinforce the intuitively understandable layout. The “Neo Lite” bar stool by Kinnarps complements the ensemble with a light, precise design that works equally well at the bar and in more informal lounge areas. This is complemented by the “Matsumoto” table, whose minimalist design with ash veneer tops in black or white adds calm, graphic accents. The strength of the materials and the versatility of Kinnarps’ furniture are also evident in the hotel’s other public areas: The “Rho” sofa offers long-lasting comfort with Dymetrol® as an elastic seat support. Removable covers and a powder-coated frame ensure durability and long-term flexibility. The “Yarn” armchair also adds a touch of craftsmanship: with a hand-woven backrest made of hemp cord, upholstery from natural materials, and FSC®-certified wood, the design combines environmental consciousness with cozy elegance.
One standout piece is the 'Tinnef' table, whose tops are made entirely from recycled plastic. Each surface is unique and adds a subtle touch of colour to the rooms, complementing the clean, Scandinavian-inspired design. This makes the furnishings functional and narrative, as they reference resource conservation and a contemporary understanding of design. Close collaboration with the local Västerås Art Museum has also given rise to an exciting dialogue between furniture and art. International works, including pieces by Bob Dylan, as well as local art, blend naturally into spaces designed by Kinnarps.
Upon completion of the renovation in September 2025, the Best Western Plus Hotel Plaza will boast a clearly structured, flexible spatial layout. Kinnarps’ furnishings translate the architectural gesture of the Skrapan skyscraper into the interior, striking a balance between urbanity, comfort and sustainability. The hotel’s unique identity within the Skrapan high-rise is thus made visible and tangible, not least through the precisely designed furniture. “The high standard of design and furnishings has opened a new chapter for the Hotel Plaza in Västerås. The spaces now reflect our brand and support operations in a way that was not possible before,” says Tobias Hultberg, the hotel's CEO and partner.
