Project Information:
- Architect: Aurora Design
- Location: Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Type: Café
- Area: 70 m²
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photos: © Na Xin from INSPACE
Hidden within the urban landscape of Kunming, Yunnan, Ido & Friends Café is a tribute to the Bauhaus era. In tune with the wave of modernism that swept through Europe from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, Aurora Design has created a timeless space that blends history with the present.
“In 1919, Walter Gropius initiated the ‘Bauhaus Manifesto’, declaring to eliminate the distinction between craftsmen and artists, erase the boundaries of disciplines, and envision and create the future of architecture with an open and integrated approach. The open and inclusive brand philosophy of the café is reminiscent of the ideals of modernism,” shared the design team of Aurora Design.
Ido & Friends Café by Aurora Design
Cafés in Europe in the early 20th century were not just places to enjoy a cup of coffee; they were breeding grounds for creativity, open conversations, and artistic fervor. The Bauhaus movement, led by Walter Gropius in 1919, championed the essence of inclusivity and openness. By 2023, Ido & Friends Café has captured this spirit in its design.
The inviting transparent glass façade blends the hustle and bustle of the street with the café’s serene atmosphere. The seamless integration of the exterior and interior encourages passersby to stop, have a coffee, and enjoy the experience. Aurora Design’s Design Director, Yang Xuewan, utilized recessed side windows to create outdoor spaces, enhancing the café’s appeal and friendliness.
The interior features a striking contrast in design. While low wooden chairs stretch along the glass walls, custom coffee tables with hollow circular patterns provide a contrasting element, adding visual interest. A three-tiered wooden display cabinet holds a variety of items—from classic coffee cups to the latest magazines—creating a serene corner of the space.
The glass brick walls serve as a gentle “barrier” that divides yet connects the space. On one side, patrons can immerse themselves in the rich aroma of coffee, while on the other, they can find a cozy workspace. It’s a beautiful symphony of aesthetics and functionality.
In line with Bauhaus principles, the design features simplicity, flat surfaces, and geometric layout. Neutral colors, particularly coffee, black, and white, emphasize a minimalist aesthetic. Coffee-toned wooden panels resonate with Bauhaus’s focus on form and geometry. The chairs, inspired by the letter “A” in Bauhaus typography, are not just pieces of furniture but works of art themselves.
Ido & Friends Café is not just a place but an experience. As you sip your coffee, the surrounding ambiance transports you to iconic European cities where art flourishes. Paris, Venice, Barcelona—this café evokes the spirit of these cultural hubs, rekindling the enduring romance between art, architecture, and life.
Photos: ArchEyes
