At the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and timeless design thinking, the 2025 AED Neuland Award has recognised Robin Richter’s groundbreaking project “Aquilo” as the Gold winner in the Product Design category. As proud supporters of the award, PHOENIX is honoured to celebrate this visionary achievement—especially as the recognition was presented by our own Florian Czak, a former award winner and now a key member of our team.
With global temperatures on the rise and cities becoming increasingly heat-stressed, traditional air conditioning poses a dilemma: While offering relief, it also exacerbates climate change through its high energy demands, accounting for around 10% of global electricity consumption.
Aquilo offers an inspiring alternative. Based on the principle of evaporative cooling, the system pays homage to ancient Egyptian wind towers while leveraging contemporary materials and design sensibility. The device uses a wetted textile shell and a fan to pull warm air through its surface, lowering temperatures through natural evaporation before dispersing cool air into the room. The result is a sustainable, cost-efficient, and environmentally conscious way to beat the heat—particularly beneficial for vulnerable populations with limited access to traditional cooling methods.
The project emerged from a deeply analytical and hands-on process. Following an intensive research phase on evaporative cooling systems, Robin conducted empirical testing, drawing actionable insights through real-world experimentation. The result is a sleek, functional product that reduces temperatures by several degrees, using no refrigerant or compressors, just smart, essential design.
"The ‘Aquilo’ project combines sustainability with a product design that is reduced to the essentials, compellingly and smartly. The small cooling tower for low-budget domestic use utilises the principle of evaporative cooling, as used in ancient Egyptian wind towers: Warm air hits wet textiles, cools down and is passed on. Practical tests and the use of reusable materials have enabled the development of a simple and convincing device that can reduce temperatures by several degrees. The jury was impressed by the intelligent combination of simple technology and optimum usability in an aesthetically unique overall appearance, which is very easy to understand without a lot of words and also works perfectly."
Robin Richter studied at the University of Design Schwäbisch Gmünd, where he nurtured his passion for environmentally conscious product design. A semester abroad at the Holon Institute of Technology in Israel broadened his global design perspective. He further honed his expertise at institutions such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics and TULP Design in Munich, before joining Studio Mark Braun in Berlin, where he currently works.
This year’s ceremony held a special significance for PHOENIX. The award in the product design category was presented by our very own Florian Czak, who had once stood on the same stage as a winner six years ago. Now serving as Senior Business and Development Manager at PHOENIX, Florian’s journey, from recipient to presenter, illustrates how the Aed Neuland platform continuously nurtures future leaders in design. A full-circle moment that encapsulates the spirit of mentorship and legacy.
Additionally, Moritz Kemper, our Design Director, once again served as a jury member for the UI/UX category, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to championing innovative talent and shaping the future of responsible design.
At PHOENIX, we believe in the power of design to create meaningful change. The Aed Neuland Award not only recognises excellence—it amplifies it. Supporting this initiative aligns with our mission to empower the next generation of designers who are tackling the world's most pressing challenges.
Congratulations to Robin Richter and all 2025 winners.
May your work inspire many more to design with purpose.
