Community
Artist Profile
Tobias Trübenbacher
Tobias Trübenbacher is a designer specializing in sustainability, material innovations, and energy transformation. He is currently based in Munich, where he combines his independent practice with academic pursuits.
After studying Industrial Design at the University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Tobias completed his degree in Product Design at the University of the Arts in Berlin. During his studies, he gained experience interning at Atelier Steffen Kehrle and working with renowned design and architecture studios, including Studio Mark Braun and AAS Gonzalez Haase. After his Bachelor degree he was working as a designer for Konstantin Grcic Design in Berlin.
Expanding his expertise, Tobias is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Architecture at the Technical University Munich (TUM). His interdisciplinary approach bridges product design and architecture, reflecting his commitment to sustainable and innovative solutions. Besides, Tobias is working for the architecture studio Buero Kofink Schels in Munich.
In 2023, Tobias was honored as the “Newcomer Designer of the Year” by the German Design Council. His work has been recognized with accolades such as the German Sustainability Award, the Braun Prize or the Beyond Bauhaus Award. In addition to his professional practice, Tobias has taught at esteemed institutions, including Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design and the University of Applied Arts Vienna (Angewandte).
Artwork
PAPILIO
Light pollution and the high energy demands of public streetlights are damaging ecosystems, contributing to climate change, and affecting human health. PAPILIO addresses these issues with an innovative design that combines an insect-friendly light spectrum with a built-in wind rotor to generate renewable energy, reducing both light pollution and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
The streetlight uses a Savonius rotor, which captures both vertical and horizontal airflows, ensuring reliable energy generation regardless of wind direction. This energy is stored in a rechargeable battery, allowing PAPILIO to operate autonomously without costly underground power connections. Alternatively, it can feed surplus energy into the grid during strong winds.
PAPILIO minimizes light pollution with a light-shielding “full-cut-off” design that directs light downward, an infrared sensor that activates the light only when needed, and a warm 2700 Kelvin spectrum that is less harmful to insects. This design not only reduces ecological impact but also enhances urban environments with its aesthetic appeal.
The climate-neutral energy production becomes an aesthetic play, enriching the public space – both during the day and at night.
〷◠‿◠〷 This project is part of our festival track "Energy of the Future" funded by the Science Year 2025.
