Tampere, one of Finland's largest cities, has long been a centre of industrial production. From textiles to trains, the industrial boom of the 19th and early 20th century earned the city the nickname "Finland's Manchester".

In the 80s and 90s, as industry declined, a range of creative enterprises emerged to fill the vacuum, and Tampere today has a vibrant music and arts scene, as well as a strong literary heritage that includes some of Finland's best-known and most loved authors, such as Väinö Linna, Kalle Päätalo and Hannu Salama.

The city is the home of a unique musical genre known as Manserock ("Manse" is the Finnish nickname for Tampere), and also has active heavy metal and electronic music scenes. The city's journey from industrial to creative production is far from unique - the post-industrial challenge is one that many, many places all around the world face. What's different is the way the story is used to anchor the hotel to its location.

Hotel Torni Tampere rises out of the old locomotive sheds in the city centre - a proud symbol of rebirth. The sense of place is evident everywhere you look. Local creative forces have been invited to put their own mark on the hotel, for example in the restaurant, where guitars belonging to well-known bands adorn the walls, and the menus are made of old vinyl record sleeves.

The interiors are characterised by the striking graphic patterns and motifs that recur throughout the hotel. Stylt has designed carpets, wall features, and a 20-foot-tall collapsible wall, inspired by the local landscape and history. The rooftop bar, usually reserved for VIPs and other snooty folk, is designed to be as welcoming as a pub and as egalitarian as a city park, while also being as stunning as any metropolitan sky bar.

The entire 17th floor is given over to a creative lounge which is open to anyone, from near or far, in need of an inspiring place to work. There is also a library, dedicated to Tampere’s literary heritage, from which guests may borrow during their stay. The hotel is home to the largest commercial art gallery anywhere in the Nordic countries, with over 300 artworks by 22 local artists. Admission is, of course, free.