A Plate of Culture
Served in Modern Setting
Akar Restaurant & Bar — Gunawarman
2020
LOCATION
Jakarta, Indonesia
AREA
205 sqm
COMPLETION
November 2019
CLIENT
Kowara Eatery Group & Mac Gyver
Akar means ‘roots’, referring to the chef’s Indonesian Peranakan background and the way he created a refined and flavorful menu that is inspired by his heritage, childhood memories, passion, and emotion. This also inspired us to design Akar as a holistic experience of modern Indonesian food tasting where the creativity and technique of the talented young chef can also be translated into space, and the way people enjoy the cuisine.
Challenges
The menu in Akar is not the usual Indonesian cuisine. It is a modern and creative take of familiar dishes that create the nostalgic feeling that reminds us of the cooking that is close to our heart, yet still giving a sense of novelty. We were challenged to translate this idea into a casual yet refined dining experience.
Exploration
The interior reflects the idea of serving Indonesian culture and tradition in a new and modern way. The distinctive shape in the top of the bar was inspired by ‘tudung saji’, a hood that is commonly used to cover food in Indonesian households. The outdoor sofa is a recreation of ‘bale-bale’, the traditional oversized chair where people usually sit together and hanging out. We used a lot of organic shapes throughout the space, the curved bench and bar, and hanging fabric on the ceiling of the dining area with the purpose of creating a more intimate space. We also combined raw natural materials; rattan, wood, and terracotta, with materials with modern feels and a more refined look; terrazzo, brass, and metal.
Results
The choice of material finishes, design exploration, and bespoke furniture in Akar has created convivial atmosphere where contemporary aesthetic subtly meets tradition. It expresses the philosophy behind the cuisine served, and from the moment people step into the space, they have the idea of what to expect from the cuisine.
