Nestled amidst the urban tapestry of Kunming, Yunnan, the Ido & Friends Café stands as a tribute to the Bauhaus era. Taking cues from the modernist wave that swept Europe in the late 19th to mid-20th century, Aurora Design has crafted a space that transcends time, blending history with the present.
Ido & Friends Café Technical Information
- Architects: Aurora Design
- Location: Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Topics: Coffee Shops
- Area: 70 m2
- Project Year: 2022 – 2023
- Photographs: © Na Xin from INSPACE
In 1919, Walter Gropius initiated the ‘Bauhaus Manifesto,’ declaring the abolishment of distinctions between craftsmen and artists, erasing the boundaries of disciplines, and envisioning and creating the future of architecture with an open and integrated approach. The open and inclusive brand philosophy of the cafe is reminiscent of the ideals of modernism.
– Aurora Design
Ido & Friends Café Photographs
Ido & Friends Café: A Modern Ode to Bauhaus and European Artistry
European coffeehouses of the early 20th century were more than mere places to sip a cup of joe; they were breeding grounds for creativity, open conversations, and artistic fervor. The Bauhaus movement, spearheaded by Walter Gropius in 1919, championed this essence of inclusivity and openness. Fast forward to 2023, and Ido & Friends Café captures this very spirit in its design.
One cannot miss the inviting transparent glass façade that stitches the street’s hustle and bustle with the café’s serene ambiance. The seamless blend of exterior and interior encourages passersby to take a pause, maybe grab a coffee, and revel in the experience. Aurora Design’s Chief Designer, Yang Xuewan, has used the recessed side doors to carve out an outdoor space, enhancing the café’s friendly appeal.
The interior embraces a play of contrasts. While low wooden benches stretch along the glass walls, customized coffee tables with hollow circular patterns counterbalance them, adding a dash of intrigue. The wooden display cabinet, standing tall with its three tiers, houses an array of objects – from vintage coffee cups to the latest magazines, creating a serene corner for visitors seeking solace amidst the aroma of fresh brews.
The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the glass brick wall, a gentle barrier that divides yet connects. On one side, coffee aficionados can lose themselves in the rich flavors, while on the other, digital nomads find a cozy workspace. It’s a beautiful symphony of aesthetics and functionality.
With a nod to Bauhaus’s ethos, the design showcases simplicity, flat surfaces, and geometric compositions. The limited color palette of neutrals, notably coffee, black, and white, underscores this minimalist aesthetic. The coffee-toned wooden boards resonate with Bauhaus’s emphasis on form and geometry. The chairs, inspired by the letter “A” from the Bauhaus font, are not just pieces of furniture but artworks in themselves.
The Ido & Friends Café is not just a place; it’s an experience. As you sip on your coffee, the surroundings transport you to iconic European cities where artistry blossomed. Paris, Venice, Barcelona – the café evokes the spirit of these cultural hubs, reigniting the age-old romance between art, architecture, and life.
Ido & Friends Café Image Gallery
About Aurora Design
Aurora Design, under Yang’s guidance, is renowned for its high-end, empathetic spaces that encapsulate current consumption trends. Committed to a design philosophy that seeks to “create fantasy and beauty,” the firm has showcased its versatility across diverse domains such as wedding photography spaces, retail outlets, eateries, exhibition venues, luxury homes, and art installations. With each endeavor, Aurora Design refreshes the paradigm of brand business models, offering clients an innovative lens through which to view design.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Chief Designer: Yang Xuewan
- Construction Team: Rebuilding Space Lab
