Astek Illuminates New Durst US Headquarters
With over 80 years of experience in printing innovation, Durst Image Technology has many offices around the globe–including a recently refurbished one in Rochester, New York. When conceptualizing the design for their former fitness center-turned-office space, they turned to Astek to help them achieve their design vision. As a longtime Durst partner (over 17 years!), Astek was more than happy to lend a hand. Using our in-house design team and portfolio of Durst printers, we created and printed graphics to elevate the space. Durst aimed to create an office and demo space serving internal Durst employees and external clients. They wanted to showcase both applications of the newest Durst printing technology and the company culture: open, collaborative, and enjoyable.
The entryway graphics create immediate, maximum impact with a panoramic mural of the Alps, where Durst’s worldwide headquarters are located. This sweeping view welcomes employees and visitors alike and simultaneously showcases the print quality of Durst’s wide-format printers. The sculptural, geometric ceiling treatment reflects the mural's craggy peaks.
Upstairs, the references to Durst HQ continue. The aquarium is a focal point in the open-concept office, and the surrounding cabinets provide storage. An illustration by the Durst design team depicts their iconic HQ building in Italy (left) and their research and development facility in Austria. Custom millwork creates the illusion that the building itself is wrapping around the aquarium.
Durst designers opted for our Uptown wallcovering by Society of Wonderland in the waiting area outside the HR meeting space.This black-on-black pattern is striking but still subtle enough to serve as a backdrop for framed prints showcasing the best in Durst printing technology, including vibrant color, crisp detail, and haptic and lenticular printing techniques.
Inspired by Astek’s original Megalopolis mural, this custom map represents the local Rochester area and surrounding cities. It is printed on our textured Silver Spectre substrate for extra shine, and the street lines are given further dimension via the haptic printing technique. This custom map, digitally collaged with care by Astek’s design team, helps to ground the space and make it locally relevant.
Rochester is further represented in the game room, where brighter colors and a more lighthearted vibe are prominent. This custom mural, inspired by Astek’s original Hollywood Havoc design, includes historic buildings, the I ❤️ ROC sign that welcomes visitors to the city, and lilac bushes to represent the annual Rochester Lilac Festival. Geometric CMYK ribbons cut across the sky, reminiscent of printhead test prints.
Along one hallway, references to the Alps reflect those at the main entrance. Here, another panoramic view of the mountains is overlaid with colorful concentric circles, a shining example of the vibrant colors achieved with Durst printers. The entire mural shimmers thanks to the Silver Sandstone material on which it is printed, and the colorful circles are given a boost with spot gloss varnish. With unique wooden paneling installed over it, this mural is a multi-dimensional showstopper.
We’re thrilled to have helped transform this space into Durst US's new home. We hope these wallcoverings delight and inspire Durst employees and customers alike in their new space for years to come!
Click here for more on Durst and Astek’s partnership.