Interview about Tjeld Bar, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2025
Tjeld Bar is a harmonious blend of nature and functionality. Inspired by the scenic Norwegian coast and the iconic Tjeld bird, this bar recreates the atmosphere of the shoreline through natural materials like marble, wood, and metal. Fluid interior lines echo oyster shells while glowing lamps reflect the watchful presence of the bird. A bold red column, representing the oystercatcher's beak, separates the cocktail and oyster stations. Ergonomic space planning and sustainable materials support comfort, functionality, and a strong connection to nature.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsAt 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.
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