Bar Kotak

dharmawangsa hotel's bar
Jakarta, indonesia.
SERVICES
Brand Strategy
Creative Concept
Visual Identity
Menu Design
Collaterals Design
Website Design
THE PROJECT
Our client had a beautiful Japanese restaurant in the lobby of Dharmawangsa Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia called Shikaku. They were looking to now create a sister bar, that would be next to the restaurant in the same location. Shikaku means square in Japanese, and they wanted to call the bar Kotak, which means square in Indonesian. We thought it was a perfect play on meaning and embraced the idea and concept of the dual square.

They wanted us to create a more structured identity for the bar and something that would connect both spaces. They also wanted to create the restaurant menu designs and a visual identity for bar Kotak.

THE CONCEPT

We thought of the following concept: Shikaku and Bar Bar Kotak are two sides of the same coin. The core brand they share is based on principles of minimalism: harmony, stability, balance, and structure. Both sub-brands, like the establishments they represent, are defined by a type of elegance based on simplicity.

SHIKAKU

While Shikaku’s identity, which had been created prior to our work engagement used the square as a symbol of the refined and structured elegance of Japanese food, we thought that Kotak could mirror the concept in a more playful manner, that would better reflect the personality and identity of Indonesias who tend to be more laid back and relaxed.

STEP 2. THE CREATIVE CONCEPT

The creative concept is an idea that stems from the brand's core identity and key message. It helps create more engaging content and form stronger emotional connections with the target market.

our concept becomes visual

Our visual identity has a contemporary style sprinkled with elegant, classic
touches.Creativity, contemporary art and nature merge organically through earthy colors,
calming textures and harmonious blank spaces. There is no clutter. Every element
has been specifically chosen to portray the notion of “connection to the present
moment".

Visual moodboard created in collaboration with our client at the beginning of the VI stage.
The color palette is composed of sober tones inspired by nature that align with
our concept. We also chose to enhance the system with discrete plant textures that works as a
refined compliment to the rest of the design elements.

We infused the concept through details that would add value to the customer experience and support the notion of connection.

The brand manifesto is a literary/poetic text that we write to present the creative concept. It can be used by our clients however they desire: social media content, the script for a company video, or even a stencil over a wall of their office.

We are connected

To ourselves — We know who we are and where we are going as individuals. We have goals and objectives; and our actions serve as stepping stones to get there.