ido & Friends Café, Kunming – China

The late 19th to mid-20th century saw the rise of the modernist wave in Europe. From urban streets to rural hamlets, from coastal islands to private homes and public cafes, well-known artistic hubs and meeting places ignited the creativity of countless artists. ‘Open’ and ‘friendly’ were the key features of European coffeehouses during that time.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.In 2023, ido&Friends Café emerged on the streets of Kunming, Yunnan. Just like its brand name, “ido&Friends,” the brand’s owner envisions this space to be more than just a café with diverse coffee offerings from different origins and flavors. It’s also intended to be a meeting place where people from various fields can gather, chat, and engage in conversations. This open and inclusive brand philosophy is reminiscent of the ideals of modernism, much like the Bauhaus movement.