Arena Sergel - world-class Coworking

Stockholm is one of the world’s leading cities when it comes to nurturing successful startups. A large part of this success is due to the city’s rich range of opportunities for coworking. The concept, previously known as office hotel, has been modernized, and a strong trend is for well-equipped and designed offices with "all the toppings" in A-locations. In November 2020, Vasakronan opened Arena Sergel, in the same property as their new head office.

This newsletter will explore the building and one of Sweden’s most modern and innovative spaces for coworking. If you want to see all the details, click on the pictures, and they will open in a larger format.

Enjoy!
 

Historical A-location

Arena Sergel is located in the property “M-huset” in the Hästskon block at Sergels torg. It would be difficult to find a more central location in Stockholm. The building was designed between 1963 and 1966 by architect Kjell Ödeen for SEB’s head office and is described as a milestone in the renewal of Stockholm’s downtown area. After more than 50 years, SEB left in 2017 for its new office complex at Arenastaden in Solna.

Shortly after the move, Vasakronan started Project Sergelhusen, a thorough transformation of three buildings in the Hästskon district. The building closest to the public square, Sergel’s torg, was demolished and replaced by Sergelhuset, with the façade built on a recycled concrete frame. The block is divided by Malmskillnadsgatan, and you will also find the entrance to the M-house on this street. New floors have been added to the building, and part of the property is dedicated to housing units.

According to the City of Stockholm, the transformation of the block Hästskon is “one of the biggest changes in the downtown area in fifty years."

Sergelhuset has been nominated for several architectural awards and has already been awarded as the LEED certificate project of 2020 by the Sweden Green Building Award, which considers the building to be “pioneering in several sustainability initiatives."

Recycled interior with subdued luxury

When Kanozi Architects created Vasakronan’s new head office, and the Sergel Arena, history and recycling were two main keywords.

Sergelhuset’s rich history is highlighted in the interior design concept focusing on recycling existing interiors and upcycling through climate-smart purchases from sustainable production. It provides a feel of understated luxury. If you did not know that much of the interior is recycled, it would be difficult to guess!

Headquarters with flexible expansion

An ambition with the project has been to streamline Vasakronan’s use of premises. From having a head office with four satellite offices, they now have a joint head office that can use the connecting Arena Sergel for flexible expansion.

The new head office offers space for movement, social meetings, spontaneity, focus, reflection, and recovery - a place where you both want to be and stay for a long time.

Sweden’s largest bank hall

On the lower floor of the building is one of the country’s largest bank halls with a bank vault in extravagant natural stone. During construction in the 1960s, bank buildings often built their characteristic architecture through large volumes and elegant facades and interiors. Today, the large room consists of a mix of lounges, meeting rooms, and workplaces.

Book a safe meeting

The marble floor that architect Kjell Ödeen once chose for the former bank vault is preserved. It is probably one of the most exclusive marble floors ever laid in a Swedish building, according to the antiquarian report that the Tyréns Group produced in connection with the renovation.

Recycling of historical art in carpets

The adapted carpets also weave in the history of the place and its name, Johan Tobias Sergel, in the interior design. The Swedish sculptor, painter, illustrator, nobleman, and knight of the Order of Vasa lived in 1740–1814. Some of Mr. Sergel’s wash drawings were taken apart and used as a base when creating new patterns for a dozen rugs, made from 100 percent recycled fishing nets.

 

Go on a art tour

Throughout the building, there are several works of art to discover and enjoy. They are there naturally without taking up space, as a gentle part of Kanotzi’s interior that is warm, detailed, and enriched with lots of greenery.

Marklund´s bronze gates become a wall

In the entrance, “Siffercyklon,” the unique sculptured gates in bronze from 1967 by sculptor Bror Marklund, have become a wall fitted with a mirror behind to create depth and highlight the fantastic sculptures.

The latest of Vasakronan's new office concepts with coworking under its management. Arena Nordstan opened earlier in Gothenburg, and more arenas are being planned in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Uppsala.

It started in 2001 and has just over 100 employees with offices in Gothenburg, Stockholm, and Malmö. Kanozi is active in housing, interior design, commercial buildings, urban planning, and infrastructure. - Read more

If you want to see more pictures from the project - Click here!

Lasse Olsson Photo photographing and filming architecture, interior design, and lighting. My newsletter is published 6–8 times a year and presents photographed projects.

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