If you happen to be passing through Cluj, you must stop by Joben Bistro. Joben is the kind of place that defies the laws of time and transports you into an imaginary world hidden deep within each of us. The way it's designed will simply leave you speechless.
A multitude of interesting details await you at every turn, the play of light and shadow creates an interesting atmosphere, transforming Joben into a pub that you are sure not to forget.
The renovation work took approximately one year and seven months. The ideas had existed in the minds of the owners for much longer, but unfortunately, not the materials. It depended, somewhat, on certain objects that were harder to find and which were later to be brought to life with great care and patience.
The idea behind the design is quite simple: the predominant element that binds the space together are wooden beams stained brown with accents of white and black, a feature found in the floor, the bar's fronton, the drink holders behind the bar, the tables, and the wall protection panels.
The entire lighting system is adjustable to give a unique touch to the place and the objects in the decor; LED strips are used in many places, which can change color with the help of a remote control. The bar is made of a concrete structure, "warmed up" visually with wooden beams of different shades and decorated with mechanical gears.
Initially, Joben Bistro was conceived in an industrial style, but seemingly insignificant objects, yet of great value, made us realize what the truly appropriate design for this space would be.
Gradually, it deviated towards steampunk, the style that left its mark on this place, thus making possible a return to fantastic times. Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that became known in the 1980s and 1990s.
Steampunk works model an imaginary world that has fully embraced the use of steam-powered machines, machines mentioned in the novels of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells. The ingredients used could be divided as follows: 60% steampunk, 30% industrial, and 10% elegant elements with a classic touch.
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Most of the elements that make up the decor were purchased from flea markets throughout the country, from antique collectors, scrap metal dealers, or even from demolition workshops.
Another part is made up of decorations made by the owners themselves, consisting essentially of minimal elements that later came to life. This is also the strong point of the decor because, in addition to ingenuity, it also has soul. The tables were also made by the owners, as were some of the chairs.
The owners told us that the entire creation process was a continuous challenge, precisely because things they didn't expect always intervened. A beautiful challenge that they would repeat anytime.
