The reflection of the iconic Horten Tiles from the Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof in Kempten dances across the sleek windshield and body of a car, creating an intricate interplay of geometric patterns. The rigid, repeating tiles form a sharp contrast to the smooth, flowing lines of the vehicle, merging two distinct design elements into a single, captivating visual. The Horten tile, a key element of modernist architecture, was originally designed by Helmut Rhode in the 1960s, featuring a stylized “H” shape. The tiles, measuring 50 x 50 cm, were first made from ceramic, later from aluminum. Their bold, modular aesthetic still graces facades across Germany. However, with the financial difficulties of the Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof group and the closure of several stores, the future of these iconic structures is uncertain. The reflection in the car not only captures a visual contrast but also the looming tension between past architectural innovation and a future that may see these tiles disappear.
