A groundbreaking architectural project in Jakarta is showcasing how traditional Indonesian design principles can be reimagined for contemporary commercial spaces. The Lattice Creative Garden, designed by RAD+ar (Research Artistic Design + architecture), demonstrates innovative approaches to tropical climate adaptation while honoring local architectural heritage. The 3,000-square-meter project, completed in 2025, represents a sophisticated blend of functional design and cultural symbolism.
The architectural firm, led by Dadi Prasojo and Antonius Richard Rusli, has drawn inspiration from Indonesia's centuries-old latticework tradition, which has been essential for climate control in the country's hot and humid tropical environment. This traditional technique serves as both a practical solution for ventilation and a distinctive cultural identifier that connects the building to its local context. The design team, including Bahrumsyah Bila Sahil, Indra Zhafrandary Kusuma, Zulfan Fadilah, Florentina Harly, Justyn Andhika Xavier Halim, Tyto Rezki Alfalih S, and Helen Saphira Wibowo, has successfully translated these historical principles into a modern architectural language.
The project exemplifies what the architects describe as "dual coding," where functional requirements and symbolic meaning work in harmony. The lattice system operates as a high-performing shading device that provides essential climate control while simultaneously creating a visually rich screen that recalls local architectural experimentation in sustainability. This approach demonstrates how traditional bioclimatic design strategies can be adapted with greater design freedom and flexibility to meet contemporary needs.
Photographer Ernest Theofilus has documented the project's intricate details, capturing how the modern interpretation of latticework creates dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the commercial space. The visual documentation reveals how the architects have successfully maintained the essence of traditional Indonesian architecture while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design possibilities.
The Lattice Creative Garden represents a significant contribution to sustainable architecture in Southeast Asia, showing how regional building traditions can inform modern construction practices. By readapting traditional latticework principles, RAD+ar has created a contextually relevant solution that addresses both environmental challenges and cultural continuity. The project stands as an exemplary model for how contemporary architects can honor their cultural heritage while meeting the demands of modern commercial architecture in tropical climates.
