Situated at the tip of the Northern Black Forest, the city of Pforzheim witnessed a continuous influx of newcomers over the past century. Much like elsewhere in Europe, this demographic shift has sparked both opportunities and tensions, particularly in the realm of cultural integration, the immigration of crafts, and notions of belonging. Ornamenta connects regional companies and non-profit organisations to collaborate with global makers and thinkers around a shared interest and collective welfare: the sun.
The idea of transforming society from self-centred to sun-centred, epitomised by “Solartal”, underscores the convergence of disparate groups striving to transcend societal divisions and foster unity. In the radiant courtyard of the Reuchlinhaus, visitors are greeted by a solar salon crafted by Design Studio buro Belén for the high-end hair and cosmetics brand La Biosthétique. Outside, we experience a collective sense of space fostered by the Geomancy group Pforzheim, alongside biologist-turned-artist Mo Langmuir and the Strollological Technical Research Laboratory.
Within the luminous galleries of the exhibition space, the Pforzheim community sewing centre, in collaboration with textile designers Meyers & Fügmann, unveils a sun-sensitive curtain. Meanwhile, jewellery designer Nana Doll repurposes materials sourced from Forestadent, a manufacturer of orthodontic products, to create adornments that evoke smiles. To take home to your terrace or sunny window, type designer Charlotte Rohde presents a pocket-sized sundial born out of a collaboration with regional clock producers Perrot Turmuhren und Läuteanlagen.