Opening in 1963, this modernist icon launched many firsts for Athens — its first international hotel, first skyline bar, first American burger, and even its first private art gallery showing works from around the world.
Today, it is transformed as a destination for the world to experience true Athens and its distinctive and electric contemporary culture. Our challenge was to re-introduce The Ilisian globally and locally.
Connecting the world to authentic modern Athens
Originally Hilton Athens, this landmark towered over and defined this area of the Greek capital. But there was a new vision for such an important place — to create a true city destination and a showcase of its finest culture, food and experiences.
Our objective was to relaunch with a new brand, identity and name that reflected the vision that we defined as ‘connecting you to authentic modern Athens’.
Named after the Ilisos River — which inspired classical philosophers and is the root of the mythological Elysian Fields — ‘The Ilisian’ and the brand we created harmonises visual references to this ancient city’s visual history, such as carved stone, with a bold graphic language that evokes its modern vibrancy. The custom typography, produced in collaboration with Parachute Foundry, references the art of stone carving synonymous with Attican history.
A brand that layers the ancient and the modern
A place of many parts — cultural spaces, members’ club, health club, Michelin-starred restaurants, hotel, and ever-changing programme of events — we needed to evoke the many layers of experiences here, as well as capture The Ilisian’s central role as a visitor portal into contemporary Athenian culture.
We developed a graphic language that draws directly from the ancient and the modern. We created distinctive carved shapes to house layers of colour and photography to produce a multidimensional visual language.
Patterns evoke the shape of the future
Athens' history of carving is brilliantly writ large at The Ilisian with a 12-storey frieze by acclaimed Greek artist Yiannis Moralis with its many symbols of Athenian life.
We have honoured one of the city’s largest art pieces by playful reimagining Moralis’s marks as a series of patterns, giving the hospitality team at The Ilisian a long-lasting brand language that can expand with the ambitions of this exciting new place.
Signage images in this case study present creative exploration
“With their creativity and their inspiration, DNCO has successfully managed to translate our heritage and essence into a compelling brand story and visuals. Our collaboration led to an outcome we are proud of, setting a strong foundation for The Ilisian’s future.”
Marina Papatsoni, Director General, Business Development and Corporate Affairs
