11 Jun Reshaping lighting design education: Fresh updates to the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering course – June 2025 Newsletter

Exciting transformations are underway at BHA School of Lighting, where we are meticulously upgrading the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering course to reflect cutting-edge advancements in lighting technology. This extensive revision ensures that all modules align with the latest industry standards, integrating innovative lighting techniques, advanced controls, and emerging trends like AI, that will redefine the future of lighting design.

A Brighter Course Experience

Every learning module is undergoing a significant enhancement, incorporating state-of-the-art principles in lighting design, technology, and regulations. Once the update is completed, the course number will change, marking a new era of excellence in lighting education at BHA School of Lighting.

Current students, rest assured—these updates will automatically be available to you, allowing for a seamless transition into the new curriculum. In fact, you already have access to Module 14: Standards & Compliance, which now includes the latest global and regional lighting standards, ensuring thorough expertise in compliance and efficiency.

Essential Lighting Standards Integrated

We have incorporated key international and regional standards that are crucial for the evolving landscape of lighting engineering. These include:

• Workplace Illumination Standards
  • EN 12464-1: 2021 – Indoor Workplace Lighting
  • EN 12464-2: 2014 – Outdoor Workplace Lighting
• Roadway and Emergency Lighting Guidelines
  • EN 13201-1: 2014 – Road Lighting Classifications
  • IS 3217: 2013 + A1: 2017 – Emergency Lighting
• Comprehensive Regulatory Frameworks
• BS 5489-1: 2020 – Road and Public Amenity Lighting
• Occupational Health & Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993
• Environmental Regulations
• SANS 204: 2011 – Energy Efficiency\
• SANS 10400: 2011 – National Building Regulations

Additionally, we have introduced critical updates on spectral analysis (IES TM-24-13), non-visual effects of lighting (CIE Position Statement & Toolbox), and advanced emergency illumination techniques (SANS 10114-2: 2020).

AI and the Future of Lighting Design

In response to rapid innovations, we are integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications into the curriculum, exploring how AI is revolutionizing the lighting industry—from automated lighting design to intelligent control systems that optimize visual comfort and energy efficiency.

We encourage students and professionals alike to embrace these advancements, especially as AI-driven tools emerge to streamline architectural drawings and create dynamic lighting concepts using platforms such as Midjourney and other intelligent design software.

Why These Updates Matter

This latest evolution of our advanced diploma course underscores our commitment to excellence in lighting education. BHA School of Lighting continues to lead the charge in delivering comprehensive, industry-relevant learning experiences, equipping students with the expertise necessary to shape the future of illumination.

Summary: A New Era of Lighting Design Education

The Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering is undergoing transformative updates, including:

• Expanded course content aligned with modern lighting technologies and design methodologies.
• Integration of AI in illumination engineering.
• Latest lighting standards to ensure compliance and best practices in lighting efficiency.
• Advanced emergency and public lighting frameworks.

We are so excited about these advancements, reinforcing our position as leaders in lighting education worldwide. Join us in embracing the future of lighting, as we illuminate new possibilities for lighting design, technology, and innovation!

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The Principal´s Pen

It is such a pleasure to wake up every morning looking forward to what the day brings and being enthusiastic to get work done.  I am privileged to have such varied tasks that extend  from lighting design and project work, to daily accounting, to taking care of our students.

I was challenged considerably when I prepared the content for our recent webinar to celebrate the UNESCO International Day of Light, which is celebrated every year on 16 May.  Much of the content related to information, equipment and products that are not traditionally within the scope of lighting. I was hard pressed studying as much as possible to learn all about the products, equipment or technologies that formed part of the content.  It was exciting and extremely interesting to learn new things. It proved once again that one is never too old to learn new things.

Our webinar to celebrate The UNESCO International Day of Lighting was well attended.  We ran a promotion offering an amazing discount to anyone who enrolled for any of the courses that we offer.  The response was fantastic.  We thank all past, present and new students, as well as our extended audience for celebrating this annual International Day of Light with BHA School of Lighting!

I recently extracted some interesting statistics.  It was way back in 2011 when I presented my first lighting workshop, since that first workshop until 2018, I presented 150 workshops throughout Southern Africa, thereafter I then transitioned into the digital presentation world.  Our lighting courses had gone online in 2013, so by 2019, new digital online presentation software was not difficult to master.

Since 2019, we have presented 120 webinars, 35 private lessons for students, 36 online meetings and 30 student support sessions. In addition, during the COVID Pandemic, we started the Enlightened Community Cares sessions.  No less than 25 of these weekly meetings took place, where many checked in to discuss some funny anecdotes, favourites wines, new movies or TV series, good books and much more.  It was found that it relieved the boredom and stress of that time.

Daniel has been especially busy with a very large project.  He has also been working hard to finalise many exceptional international speakers, all of whom are experts in their respective fields. We encourage you to check our website and read our newsletters to learn more about the webinars, more info about our webinars at www.bhaschooloflighting.co.za/webinars.

Congratulations to those students who have passed their First-Year examinations and have progressed to Second-Year.  You will be astounded at what you will learn during modules 19 to 29 of the course, which will lift your knowledge and ability to new heights.

Excitement is building as some of students work through Module 28 to start preparing for the Second-Year Final Examinations, and  we wish good luck to both First Year, and Second Year students, as they prepare for the final examinations for their respective years. It is an exciting time for the students and equally exciting for us to watch them progress, especially when they graduate.

With best regards, Philip Hammond

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Upcoming Enlightend Community Events

Lighting for Tomorrow presented by David Gilbey (CPD Activity)

BOOK YOUR PLACE at www.bhaschooloflighting.co.za/webinars

Cost: Free of Charge

Date: 26 June 2025

Time: 5:45pm for 6pm – 7pm CAT/CET

Presenter: David Gilbey, Creative Lighting Director at D-Lighting (London, United Kingdom)

About: “The present moment used to be yesterday’s unimaginable future. Obvious when you think about it, but where we are heading with the understanding we have of lighting needs today and the technology available, the future should be more pre-dictable.”, states David Gilbey.

This presentation is David’s view on a considered and responsible future of lighting. It looks at the role of artificial intelligence in design and touches on a world of augmented reality, but it also looks at emotional, psychological and health benefits of good lighting.

David will also delve into how we can use modern lighting technologies to respect our past, our culture, by using light as a communication tool and a means of story-telling. He will also focus on the importance of interactive, experiential and immer-sive exposure to light and how important light is to the environment.

With the aim of creating thought provoking holistic thinking for a better world, we are sure attendees of this event will come away inspired and with insights that will shape their own future lighting design decisions.

The growing role of controls & what it means for lighting professionals presented by Henk Rotman (CPD Activity)

BOOK YOUR PLACE at www.bhaschooloflighting.co.za/webinars

Cost: Free of Charge

Date: 24 July 2025

Time: 5:45pm for 6pm – 7pm CAT/CET

Presenter: Henk Rotman, Business Development Manager at Tridonic SA (Johannesburg, South Africa)

The July event is proudly sponsored by Tridonic. A world-leading provider of lighting technology for professional applications, including office buildings, and retail outlets, hotels and restaurants, the education industry and outdoor lighting sectors. To find out more about this BHA School of Lighting event sponsor visit www.tridonic.com.

About: This presentation by Henk Rotman, promises to be an enlightening session for professionals in the lighting industry. Henk will delve into the increasing importance of controls in modern lighting applications, shedding light on the reasons behind their growing adoption and the latest advancements in this field.

Henk will explore the evolving dynamics of the lighting market, where there is a clear distinction between “lighting experts” and the emerging group of “controls experts.” While both areas require specialized knowledge, the presentation will emphasize the critical need for lighting professionals to develop at least a foundational understanding of controls. This knowledge is essential for successfully integrating controls into lighting projects, ensuring seamless functionality and optimal performance.

Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the intersection of lighting and controls, including practical strategies for bridging the gap between these two domains. The session will also highlight how controls can enhance energy efficiency, improve user experience, and contribute to sustainable lighting solutions.

More about this event’s sponsor: Good light makes a difference. It can enhance well-being, it makes things safe, alerts us and guides us where we need to go.

But WHAT IF light could be more than just light? WHAT IF light was the backbone of intelligent buildings? With performance that’s tailored to the future? Or if it could be individually designed and implemented from start to finish. Innovative, customizable, optimizable, sustainable, and highly efficient. WHAT IF light could be an integrated, interconnected network?

Tridonic’s intelligent hardware and software creates new ways of using and experiencing light…Learn more at www.tridonic.com

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🚨 New Video Alert! 🚨

BHA School of Lighting recently dropped a new YouTube video – in celebration of the UNESCO International Day of Light✨ 🎥Now available to watch here

On 22 May, BHA School of Lighting Enlightened Community celebrated the UNESCO International Day of Light, where our Founding Educator, Philip Hammond, explored this year’s theme: Light-Innovation-Society—showcasing how light shapes science, technology, sustainability, and culture. We hope you enjoy this celebration of the role of light in our lives!

✨ Key highlights from the event:

~ UNESCO International Day of Light – history of the hashtag hashtag#dayoflight to raise awareness of light-based technologies.
~ Science of Light – breakthroughs in optics, photonics, lasers, and their impact on solar energy, medical imaging, and fibre optic communication.
~ Sustainable Development – advancements in solar power, LED technology, and smart lighting applications in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental monitoring.
~ Cultural Influence – light’s significance in architecture, photography, visual arts, and enhancing well-being through smart lighting innovations.

Through these discussions, we recognize the transformative power of light and its role in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for our planet.

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June Student Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following past & present students celebrating their birthdays this month of June 2025! We hope you all have an amazing day!

Smith Pallekkatto Madhu, Dubai, U.A.E – 1 June
Charne-Lee Gunning, Sydney, Australia – 2 June
Aris de Vrye, Johannesburg, South Africa – 3 June
Frances Army Hernandez, Dubai, U.A.E – 10 June
Remy Leloup Guimezong, Cape Town, South Africa – 17 June
Gregory Owen, Cape Town, South Africa – 18 June
Neha Bora, Greater Noida West, Utter Pradesh, India – 22 June

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Welcome to our all new BHA School of Lighting Students

Rish Roopnarain, Johannesburg, South Africa – BHASL001C20: Foundation Lighting Course
Veronia Mahrous, Cairo, Egypt – BHASL003C19: Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering Course
Gaila Tulusiene, Kaunas, Lithuania – BHASL001C20 : Foundation Lighting Course
Nihal Rahman, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – BHASL003C19: Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering Course
Edward Baldrey, Hitara Park, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa – BHASL018: Relux Desktop Ligting Design Software Course
Krishna Sandeep Vasamsetti, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – BHASL003C19: Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering Course
Willem Petrus Redelinghuys, Polokwane, South Africa – BHASL003C19: Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering Course
Sheradee Van Niekerk, Cape Town, South Africa – BHASL003C19: Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering Course
Osama Ahmed Ahmed Shafik, Cairo, Egypt – BHASL003C19: Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering Course
Vaibhav Shete, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – BHASL003C19: Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering Course

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BHA School of Lighting Student Examinations: Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering

We wish the following students well, as they prepare for their First Year Examinations:

Petrus Cilliers, Centurion, South Africa
Lilitha Tuswa, Johannesburg, South Africa
Dino Rozman, Durban, South Africa

We wish the following students well, as they prepare for their Second Year Examinations:

Aris de Vrye, Johannesburg, South Africa
Justice Bhengu, Durban, South Africa
Savas Seckin, Istanbul, Turkiye
Ismael Thamer Al-Obaidi, Baghdad, Iraq

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Join a Professional Lighting Institution or Community

We encourage all of our Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering students to apply for student membership for little or no fees at local and international professional lighting institutions and lighting network communities. By becoming a member you will gain access to further study material, courses, workshops, webinars & stipends.

BHA School of Lighting is proud to be affiliated with the the International Association of Lighting Designers, the Institute of Lighting Professionals, the Virtual Lighting Design Community, The Lighting Police, Women in Lighting and the Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa.

Find more info about each organisation and community here.

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Follow us on Social Media

Join the BHA School of Lighting Alumni and follow us on LinkedIn here

Follow BHA School of Lighting on Instagram here

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here

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