Where people meet: A global journey to today’s cafés demonstrate how interior design, spatial concepts, and atmosphere shape places of social exchange and everyday pleasure.

In the past, they were coffee houses; today, they are coffee shops – places where coffee is enjoyed have always been spaces of exchange, encounter, and everyday culture. New cafés continue to emerge around the world, distinguished by individual design, atmospheric intensity, and cultural diversity. The style experience is increasingly coming to the fore and has become a decisive factor in choosing a café.

Spatial concepts, color palettes, and fitting as well as counters, tables, and seating shape the identity of these spaces and respond sensitively to their urban contexts. Varied spatial arrangements create settings for relaxation, social interaction, and retreat. This book presents a curated selection of contemporary cafés from across the globe and demonstrates how thoughtful design creates inviting environments centered on atmosphere and a sense of community.