Originated as Dutch State Mines, today DSM is one of the world’s most advanced chemical and biotechnological companies. In 2007 Maurice Mentjes was commisioned to design the multi functional meeting and reception room for the DSM Headquarters in Heerlen located in the southern part of the Netherlands. The surrounding landscape was the starting point for Mentjens’ design. Taking inspiration from the ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by the medieval painters Jan and Hubert van Eyck.

This representation was visually translated into a contemporary and connected theme. Where magnified images of the micro-organism ‘Aspergillus Niger’- which DSM researchers have discovered the DNA structure for – cover the walls of the room. The trumpet-like legs on which the great white table rests remind us both of the chalice used in church services, and the former mines cooling towers. And as a divine symbol, the sun reflected in a mirror stands for wisdom.
www.mauricementjens.com