Interviews med Julia Filippova

Tjeld Bar is inspired by the scenic Norwegian coast and the iconic Tjeld bird, or oystercatcher in English. This design recreates the atmosphere of the coastline and the bird's habitat. It's a harmonious combination of nature and functionality in the space that reflects the essence of Norway.

The main task was not only to convey the atmosphere of the birds' habitat, but also to make the space ergonomically correct for the staff and guests. Functional and thought out to the smallest detail.

I’d be happy to see both locals and tourists coming to this place in Oslo to experience the unique design and find inspiration.

As with the development of each project from the idea to technical documentation, it took me 2 months

The customer came to me with the name - Tjeld (oyster catcher). Since he names all his establishments after birds. He only had the name and around it I started to create an idea and concept.

Guests who value unique spaces with character. Who don't just come for a drink - they are looking for an atmosphere, a visual experience, an impression. Locals who want to have a new experience, as this place is very different from many bars in Norway. People who are passionate about design and architecture, who pay attention to textures, light, non-standard forms. This place makes you want to take pictures, discuss, get inspired.

Tjeld is a bird, translated into English as Oyster Catcher. This bar serves oysters along with cocktails. In Norway, the Tjeld is considered one of the harbingers of spring.

When creating the project, I used the research method. I went to the islands in the Norwegian fjords to get inspired by the coasts. To see oysters and birds in their natural habitat. To find new color combinations in nature, new shapes and textures.

My interiors impress with bold solutions and are always thought out for people. It is not just a beautiful picture, there is life and experience in it.

Technology helps make this space ergonomic and great for staff to work in. For example, the door to the staff room opens automatically, with the button placed at knee level. This allows bartenders to open it hands-free while carrying dishes.

The design challenge was to play get inspiration about the Oyster catcher bird , find out it habitats and implement it to interior. Location that my client took had column that was located in the middle of the venue , so challenge was how to integrate it in design as well .Since we desided to place all bar around the column ,there was a challenge with whole movement in the bar ,so that people will not intentianally go through the bar.

At the beginning, the general concept of the oyster catching bird is reflected in the planning solution: The central column was located right in the center of the room, symbolizes the bright red beak of the bird, splitting the bar station like an oyster into two parts. The first part is the cocktail station, and the second part is the oyster station.Using natural materials, marble, wood and shiny metal, the atmosphere of the sea coast where do Tjeld birds nest is recreated. Smooth lines in the interior resemble the shape of oysters. Bright lamps, reminiscent of the bird's eyes, symbolize that the staff is always watching to ensure guests feel comfortable and happy in the bar.

With EON decorative plaster, a soft stone-like texture is created on the walls, adding a unique atmosphere and bringing a subtle decorative element of nature indoors. One of the main highlights is the spacious bathroom, where the walls are covered with clay plaster with herbs inside. Once inside, you immediately notice the pleasant natural aroma released by the herbal particles.EON сlay plaster not only adds an aesthetic effect—with its composition of minerals and sand it also acts as a passive humidity regulator and absorbs toxins. It is non-flammable, which is especially important for public spaces.

When creating the project, I initially planned to create an unusual bar station, not to place it along the wall. And the column, which could not be removed, helped my decision. By placing the bar station in the center, it was possible to create an ergonomically correct and comfortable space for both guests and staff.When designing, designers always try to either hide architectural elements or emphasize them. And I decided to focus on the column, since it strongly resembled a red bird's beak and it turned out very effectively in combination with the whole design around!

When designing my projects, I always focus on the person who will be in the space. How will he feel? How comfortable will he be moving around the room?Since the concept of the venue revolves around Cocktails and Oysters, I chose to divide the space into two distinct bar stations. A comfortable zone between them allows a single bartender to efficiently serve both cocktails and open oysters. The main bar counter is designed for two bartenders. One of the work stations faces the entrance, which ensures that new guests are always noticed and greeted by the staff.To subtly discourage guests from walking between the two stations to reach the restroom, we introduced a small raised platform. This elevation not only improves the visibility of guests for the staff, but also enhances overall service flow.Around the bar, I created an ergonomically ideal circulation path—spacious enough for two people to move simultaneously, such as a guest and a waiter. Beside the station, there's a hidden staff storage room and a full-height wine cabinet, blending functionality with aesthetic clarity.This layout solution provides maximum comfort for both guests and staff, balancing operational efficiency with a welcoming atmosphere.

Tjuvholmen is a contemporary waterfront district in Oslo, known for its modern architecture. With its clean lines, open public spaces, and direct connection to the sea, it offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The area’s design-forward atmosphere and panoramic views of the Oslofjord make it an ideal setting for Tjeld Bar—a project that draws inspiration from Norway’s coastal identity while embracing the energy and elegance of modern city life.

In addition to the high acoustic performance of the panels—which effectively absorb sound—and their natural, sustainable composition that aligns with the concept of the project, I was especially drawn to their color, shape, and texture. They reminded me of the sandy beaches along the Norwegian fjord coast, subtly reinforcing the connection to nature and enhancing the sensory experience for guests in a calm and immersive way.

I believe that smooth, organic forms in interiors create a greater sense of comfort for people while also offering practical advantages, especially in compact spaces. When used in the spatial layout, these forms help optimize every square meter, allowing for more efficient circulation and use of space. Applied to walls and ceilings, they add softness and lightness to the atmosphere, enhancing the overall sense of calm and fluidity in the interior.

The signature hexagon inserts in the bar station allow for complete freedom to configure the workspace based on specific needs at any given moment. The hexagons fit together to form a single, drained worktop, or they can be flipped to create compartments for bottle and tool storage. They can also be removed altogether to create neutral space for ice.The door to the storage room is visually hidden from guests by the same wooden panels as on the wall. But the staff uses a secret handle to open the room.

First of all, I always think about the technical lighting in the room so that both guests and staff get enough light. Secondly, I think about lighting solutions that make the interior attractive and cozy. For example, light lines behind the panels along the walls give the interior a soft and cozy light.Since the staff in the bar area need good light, which can be achieved with spotlights, but for the overall picture they look boring, I decided to beat them with a metal mesh, which creates the image of a thundercloud in the middle of the bar! And by adding a light strip inside the frame, the thundercloud can turn into a blue Norwegian sea. It looks very impressive in life and is one of the main elements of attracting attention!

I believe that projects like this move design forward not only in terms of aesthetics, but also through a deep focus on the human. After all, the most important thing is how a person will feel in the space. Therefore, everything we create, we create for people! Design is not only about emotion, it is also about comfort and confidence.