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.

A UNIQUE OFFERING

That made us even more certain about our choice. We wanted to position Hansar as the boutique hotel recognized for their conceptual approach, impacting identity and unique guest experience.

THE NEW BRAND VALUE PROPOSITION

"We provide the refined comfort of a 5-star bespoke experience in the intimacy of a boutique environment. We believe that through a philosophy of enhanced connection and mindfulness, we can deliver more personalized attention and services that adapt to the ever-changing
needs and preferences of our guests. This allows us to create a powerful experience that inspires and invites them to be fully present."

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.

IT'S ALL ABOUT CONNECTION

We wanted it to revolve around the notion of "connection", which is what you feel when you step into the lobby and a valuable notion for guests. They want to connect to their family/partner during a trip, to the culture of a foreign country, and to a serene environment after a long day. Also, the staff has to find a connection to guests that allows to anticipate and serve their every need.

THE FINAL CONCEPT

S T A Y   C O N N E C T E D
To "stay connected" means to remain in the present moment, but it also serves to introduce Hansar’s philosophy on work and service: to stay permanently connected to the guests and their needs. The wording is straightforward, clear and simple. It's also a word-play that suggests two different meanings of the word “stay”: to remain in a state of connection and to be in the hotel.

THE CONNECTION PHILOSOPHY

Our "manifesto" would make the concept more tangible:
We are connected to ourselves: we prioritise looking in, that's why we are self-confident and do things uniquely.
We are connected to our guest: we anticipate their needs and are aware of their necessities; providing bespoke service and tailored experiences to make them feel present and happy.
We are connected to each other: a good experience for our guests can only be delivered by a solid team, that's why we value open communication, transparency, and mutual support.

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.

We are connected

To our job — We understand the vision of our company and stand by it. We know that our work is really important as part of a bigger picture.