Needswants is a concept for a dual-purpose venue in Seminyak, Bali: a curated micro-grocery by day (fresh produce, daily essentials, brunch, even free juicing/prep from store picks) and a bar by night (artisanal drinks and tapas-style food).
Studio Dinnamika created a bold identity around a fluid N/W monogram representing “needs” and “wants,” using vibrant green, clean Helvetica type, and a modern spatial plan with warm wood and green tile accents. The project was later paused before construction.
VISION
Needswants was conceived by Dinnamika as an innovative lifestyle destination intended for the vibrant heart of Seminyak, Bali. Envisioned as more than just a venue, needswants aimed to become a seamless extension of daily life. It was designed as a place where essential needs and delightful wants could coexist, catering to the rhythmic pulse of its community from sunrise to well beyond sunset. The core concept involved a unique fusion: a curated micro-grocery offering daily essentials would operate alongside a sophisticated bar serving artisanal beverages and perfectly paired tapas-style cuisine, all within a single, harmoniously designed space.
GOALS
A primary goal was to create a unique, destination-worthy venue in Seminyak that adeptly addresses both the practical "needs" and experiential "wants" of its patrons. The project sought to design a flexible and welcoming environment capable of transitioning effortlessly from a bright morning hub to a lively evening social space. Furthermore, the objective was to build a brand identity that is both bold and inviting, accurately reflecting the dynamic interplay of its dual offerings. A key ambition was to foster a sense of community, where locals and visitors alike could find nourishment, indulgence, and connection. Finally, the plan was to integrate a practical grocery element with an engaging bar experience, thereby blurring traditional retail and hospitality lines.
OUR APPROACH
Dinnamika’s strategy for needswants was rooted in a deep understanding of the daily rhythm of human desires. The day at needswants would begin by catering to fundamental "needs," offering fresh produce, essential groceries, and a unique service where customers could select fruits and vegetables from the store to be freshly juiced or prepared at the bar, free of charge. This morning service would be complemented by light breakfast and brunch options, and even early-day "wants" like mimosas, all served within a calm, rejuvenating atmosphere. As evening approached, the space was designed to transform and satisfy "wants." The focus would gracefully shift to alcoholic beverages, curated food pairings, and a livelier ambiance, with soul-warming music intended to create a vibrant social hub. The ultimate ambition was for needswants to feel like an extension of one’s own living room, sometimes offering itself as a tranquil sanctuary, and at other times, a welcoming stage for social interaction and joyful chatter, the contrasting nature between our needs and wants.
THE IDENTITY & EXPERIENCE
Dinnamika envisioned a brand where the external identity and internal experience would play off each other, creating a compelling and memorable contrast for its patrons:
BRAND IDENTITY
The distinctive monogram, a fluid representation of "N" and "W," was designed to be modern, memorable, and emblematic of the brand's core philosophy. This logomark serves as a symbol of duality and flow, with its intertwined, undulating forms visually representing the seamless connection and constant interplay between needs and wants. Its up-and-down motion further echoes the daily rhythms of human desires and activities. The continuous, flowing nature of the mark symbolizes the brand’s adaptability in shifting its offerings and atmosphere from morning needs to evening wants, thereby catering to the diverse states of its customers. The interlinked elements also suggest a connected community and the vibrant energy inherent in both the Seminyak locale and the soul-warming music envisioned for its soundscape, perhaps subtly hinting at ocean waves. Finally, its modern simplicity ensures versatility across various applications, reflecting a contemporary understanding of lifestyle.
The visual branding was dominated by a vibrant Pantone 355C green, crisp white, and grounding Pantone Black 6C, collectively aiming to be bold and energetic, reflecting the "wants" aspect of life. The prominent green spoke to freshness and vitality, which are key attributes for both the grocery and the invigorating bar experiences. Helvetica Neue LT Std 45 Light was chosen for its clean, modern, and highly legible characteristics, ensuring clear communication across all brand materials while maintaining a sophisticated and approachable aesthetic.
INTERIOR & SPATIAL DESIGN
Rich wood tones were chosen for paneling and ceilings, complemented by soft ambient lighting and distinct green tiled accents, creating a tactile and contrasting feel throughout the space. The layout was conceived for optimal flow and flexibility, featuring a prominent long bar and food étalase that acted as a central hub for social interaction and service. Distinct grab-and-go frozen and beverage sections, alongside a dedicated merchandise and pharmacy area, catered to various customer needs.
Seating options were designed to be diverse, ranging from outdoor seating and a front garden area for a more public and open-air experience, to intimate sofa seating nestled within, and a spirit display that encouraged lingering and discovery. We wanted the interior to be in-line with the brand's theme of duality and flow.
THE REALITY
Needswants was a deeply considered in-house project for us, with the brand identity crafted internally and the spatial vision brought to life with the help of Atelier 5758. Although unforeseen circumstances and subsequent investor decisions that led to halting the project before construction could commence in Seminyak, the concept itself remains a powerful testament to innovative thinking in the realms of lifestyle and hospitality. We felt that the brand and spatial design for needswants captured a unique and nuanced understanding of modern consumer desires. It offered a holistic solution that promised to nourish both the body and soul, establishing a blueprint for a space that could truly and beautifully cater to the full spectrum of human needs and wants.
VISION
Needswants was conceived by Dinnamika as an innovative lifestyle destination intended for the vibrant heart of Seminyak, Bali. Envisioned as more than just a venue, needswants aimed to become a seamless extension of daily life. It was designed as a place where essential needs and delightful wants could coexist, catering to the rhythmic pulse of its community from sunrise to well beyond sunset. The core concept involved a unique fusion: a curated micro-grocery offering daily essentials would operate alongside a sophisticated bar serving artisanal beverages and perfectly paired tapas-style cuisine, all within a single, harmoniously designed space.
GOALS
A primary goal was to create a unique, destination-worthy venue in Seminyak that adeptly addresses both the practical "needs" and experiential "wants" of its patrons. The project sought to design a flexible and welcoming environment capable of transitioning effortlessly from a bright morning hub to a lively evening social space. Furthermore, the objective was to build a brand identity that is both bold and inviting, accurately reflecting the dynamic interplay of its dual offerings. A key ambition was to foster a sense of community, where locals and visitors alike could find nourishment, indulgence, and connection. Finally, the plan was to integrate a practical grocery element with an engaging bar experience, thereby blurring traditional retail and hospitality lines.
OUR APPROACH
Dinnamika’s strategy for needswants was rooted in a deep understanding of the daily rhythm of human desires. The day at needswants would begin by catering to fundamental "needs," offering fresh produce, essential groceries, and a unique service where customers could select fruits and vegetables from the store to be freshly juiced or prepared at the bar, free of charge. This morning service would be complemented by light breakfast and brunch options, and even early-day "wants" like mimosas, all served within a calm, rejuvenating atmosphere. As evening approached, the space was designed to transform and satisfy "wants." The focus would gracefully shift to alcoholic beverages, curated food pairings, and a livelier ambiance, with soul-warming music intended to create a vibrant social hub. The ultimate ambition was for needswants to feel like an extension of one’s own living room, sometimes offering itself as a tranquil sanctuary, and at other times, a welcoming stage for social interaction and joyful chatter, the contrasting nature between our needs and wants.
THE IDENTITY & EXPERIENCE
Dinnamika envisioned a brand where the external identity and internal experience would play off each other, creating a compelling and memorable contrast for its patrons:
BRAND IDENTITY
The distinctive monogram, a fluid representation of "N" and "W," was designed to be modern, memorable, and emblematic of the brand's core philosophy. This logomark serves as a symbol of duality and flow, with its intertwined, undulating forms visually representing the seamless connection and constant interplay between needs and wants. Its up-and-down motion further echoes the daily rhythms of human desires and activities. The continuous, flowing nature of the mark symbolizes the brand’s adaptability in shifting its offerings and atmosphere from morning needs to evening wants, thereby catering to the diverse states of its customers. The interlinked elements also suggest a connected community and the vibrant energy inherent in both the Seminyak locale and the soul-warming music envisioned for its soundscape, perhaps subtly hinting at ocean waves. Finally, its modern simplicity ensures versatility across various applications, reflecting a contemporary understanding of lifestyle.
The visual branding was dominated by a vibrant Pantone 355C green, crisp white, and grounding Pantone Black 6C, collectively aiming to be bold and energetic, reflecting the "wants" aspect of life. The prominent green spoke to freshness and vitality, which are key attributes for both the grocery and the invigorating bar experiences. Helvetica Neue LT Std 45 Light was chosen for its clean, modern, and highly legible characteristics, ensuring clear communication across all brand materials while maintaining a sophisticated and approachable aesthetic.
INTERIOR & SPATIAL DESIGN
Rich wood tones were chosen for paneling and ceilings, complemented by soft ambient lighting and distinct green tiled accents, creating a tactile and contrasting feel throughout the space. The layout was conceived for optimal flow and flexibility, featuring a prominent long bar and food étalase that acted as a central hub for social interaction and service. Distinct grab-and-go frozen and beverage sections, alongside a dedicated merchandise and pharmacy area, catered to various customer needs.
Seating options were designed to be diverse, ranging from outdoor seating and a front garden area for a more public and open-air experience, to intimate sofa seating nestled within, and a spirit display that encouraged lingering and discovery. We wanted the interior to be in-line with the brand's theme of duality and flow.
THE REALITY
Needswants was a deeply considered in-house project for us, with the brand identity crafted internally and the spatial vision brought to life with the help of Atelier 5758. Although unforeseen circumstances and subsequent investor decisions that led to halting the project before construction could commence in Seminyak, the concept itself remains a powerful testament to innovative thinking in the realms of lifestyle and hospitality. We felt that the brand and spatial design for needswants captured a unique and nuanced understanding of modern consumer desires. It offered a holistic solution that promised to nourish both the body and soul, establishing a blueprint for a space that could truly and beautifully cater to the full spectrum of human needs and wants.