Main Light

Conventional street lighting causes ecological damage through light pollution, disrupts the circadian rhythms of humans, plants, and animals, and consumes significant resources due to complex installation requirements. At the same time, many areas—particularly remote locations—suffer from a lack of light, posing a safety risk.

Renewable energies often remain invisible in public spaces, and their potential is rarely fully utilised. As part of World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026, Tobias Trübenbacher and Andreas Lang are launching "Main-Light"—a self-sufficient, climate-neutral lighting solution for public spaces. The installation generates its own electricity using innovative solar films, meaning it operates without power lines and brings light to previously dark areas through low-pollution, insect-friendly illumination.

Main-Light is being implemented at the Weseler Werft in Frankfurt, where it makes renewable energy production visible and tangible in everyday life—serving as a positive design archetype. During the day, the solar films create a play of light, shadow, and colour, bringing renewable energy generation directly into the city. At night, targeted, demand-driven lighting provides orientation and safety without unnecessarily illuminating the surroundings. With vibrant colours and contemporary patterns, the installation enriches the urban space and creates a place to linger, where central questions of our time are addressed: light pollution, regenerative energy, and inclusive mobility.

Beyond the ecological, social, and infrastructural benefits, the project creates a space for education and exchange within the WDC framework: workshops and digital formats encourage discourse on light, energy, safety, urban aesthetics, and design.