1948 Born in Pforzheim
Earned a degree in industrial design from FhG Pforzheim
1973 Founded the design office Team Industrieform, Pforzheim
1985 Expanded the office into yellow design, Pforzheim
Since 1992 he has served as Professor of Design and Ecology at the Köln International School of Design (KISD)
1993 Added new location – yellow circle office (Cologne)
Since 1994 jury member in a variety of international design competitions
2004 Added third office yellow too, in Berlin
He lives and works in Cologne
The inspiration Horntrich takes from the objects that surround him may seem random when viewed individually. But over the course of time the collection that emerges tells its own story. Horntrich uses a spatial installation to explain his thought process with the everyday objects that have long accompanied him.
Often, it’s the most valuable designs that become classics. Value is measured by properties that forge a relationship to the object’s user – properties such as quality, use, effect, and sustainability. Those who think ecological products are made only of wood, cork, or wool miss something important, for ecology is not decided by choice of material alone. It’s also about lifespan, functionality, and practicality.
The exhibition allows visitors to experience the constants in Horntrich’s output. For all his development, certain structures, principles, and objects have persisted. These are always the simple things, the obvious things – the classics, if you will.
