Carta SCBD, The Vibrant Cocktail Bar with Distinct Spanish Tone

In Jakarta's commercial heart, precisely at Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), Carta stands out as a distinct cocktail bar with visible Spanish tone. The concept of a card game is seamlessly integrated as an engaging architectural form, symbolized by the name "Carta". The unique interpretation of the concept evokes the randomness and unpredictability of a card game, resulting in a striking structure where the building massing takes the form of stacked boxes. Each box represents a die in a game of chance.

The exterior of Carta is a testament to the card game concept. The varying levels and volumes not only create an eye-catching façade, but also engage the surrounding urban fabric. The topmost boxes are designed to be lighter and more transparent, utilising a polycarbonate-like material as finishing. This design allows light to filter through, creating a glowing presence at night.

The transparent material quality also gives the building an airy, inviting curiosity while offering glimpses of the lively interior. The upper volumes seem to float delicately above, giving an open, sky-connected impression to the space.

In contrast, the lower boxes have more solid and grounded appearance. The surfaces are covered in a bold, bright orange-washed paint. The vibrant colour anchors the building, providing an obvious contrast to the more delicate upper volumes. The orange tone draws attention, effortlessly ensuring the bar is a memorable landmark within the SCBD district.

The use of 200×200 mm glass blocks is unifying the building mass, forming a cohesive element at the heart of the façade. The glass blocks with their subtle texture and translucent quality create a rhythm of smaller boxes within the larger architectural form. The glass blocks act as a bridge between the upper transparent volumes and the more solid lower ones, bringing unity to the design while maintaining the balance of light, shadow, and texture.

Inside, Carta continues to embrace its Spanish design elements with a tint of contemporary flair. The walls are adorned with distinctive orange-washed paint, casting a warm welcoming glow throughout the space. The chosen orange tone adds depth to the space and complements other materials as well, enriching the overall warmth of the interiors.

The flooring itself is a visual feast as it features a collection of patterned tiles that add texture and charm. The tiles with Spanish-inspired motifs offer a bit of playfulness to the space while keeping a refined simplicity.

Interspersed among the tiles are bold green mosaics with their organic and tactile finish. The mosaics give a vibrant contrast that adds a layer of excitement to the otherwise earthy palette. The green mosaics serve as both visual focal point and tactile element, inviting guests to interact with the space on a deeper level.

The elegant archways frame the key moments of the bar and become the standout features of Carta's interior. Inspired by Spanish architectural traditions, the arches evoke a sense of classical grandeur and provide a visual connection between different areas inside. The archways help to guide movements and establish zones within the open-plan layout, presenting both intimacy and continuity. The soft curves reflect a classic Spanish design influence and maintain a modest, understated elegance.

The gently curved and unadorned ceilings enhance a sense of movement and openness without overwhelming the space. The ceilings design keep the atmosphere light and airy, while still evoking traditional warmth and charm.

The contrasting elements of curved lines, arches, and varied seating bring a playful yet harmonious balance to the space, making Carta the perfect blend of form, function, and cultural resonance. The warm colours, simple motifs, and inviting furniture as the modest elements of interior together build Carta as a place that feels familiar and special, a perfect setting to enjoy good company and conversation.