For decades, lighting design in many environments has been dominated by a single approach: uniform overhead illumination. Rows of downlights or ceiling mounted fixtures were used to deliver consistent brightness across a room, prioritising visibility and compliance over experience. Today, that model is rapidly losing relevance.

MOVING BEYOND THE CEILING

The reliance on overhead lighting alone is fading. Designers are recognising that a single light source, no matter how efficient, cannot respond to the complexity of human activity or spatial experience.

Layered lighting offers an alternative. By combining multiple light sources at different levels and intensities, designers can create environments that feel dynamic, responsive, and human focused. As highlighted by industry commentary, the shift is clear: lighting is no longer about one dominant source, but about composing layers that work together to shape a space.

This transition reflects a broader realisation within the profession. Spaces are not static, and neither should their lighting be.

WHAT IS LAYERED LIGHTING?

At its core, layered lighting is built on three key components:

• Ambient lighting: The general level of illumination that ensures overall visibility within a space
• Task lighting: Focused lighting designed to support specific activities such as reading, cooking, or working
• Accent lighting: Directional or decorative light used to highlight architectural features, objects, or create visual interest

Individually, each layer serves a purpose. Together, they create depth, hierarchy, and flexibility.

DESIGNING FOR ADAPTABILITY

One of the most powerful advantages of layered lighting is its ability to adapt. A single space may need to support multiple functions throughout the day, from focused work to relaxation, from social interaction to solitude.

Layered lighting allows these transitions to happen seamlessly.

• A living room can shift from bright and functional to soft and intimate
• A workplace can move from high alert task lighting to calmer, reflective conditions
• A hospitality space can evolve in mood from day to night

This flexibility reinforces a key idea emerging in contemporary lighting design: light is not fixed, it is responsive.

FROM ILLUMINATION TO EXPERIENCE

The rise of layered lighting is closely linked to a larger transformation in the discipline. Lighting designers are no longer asked simply to meet illuminance targets. They are expected to shape how spaces feel.

Uniform lighting often produces flat, visually monotonous environments. In contrast, layered lighting introduces contrast, shadow, and emphasis. It creates rhythm within a space, guiding attention and enhancing perception.

In this sense, lighting becomes a compositional tool, much like materiality or form in architecture.

A MORE HUMAN APPROACH TO LIGHT

Layered lighting also aligns with the growing emphasis on human centred design. People do not experience light as a uniform field. We respond to variation, direction, and contrast.

By introducing multiple layers, designers can better support comfort and wellbeing:

• reducing glare by avoiding over reliance on overhead sources
• providing light where it is needed, rather than everywhere equally
• allowing users to control and personalise their environment

This approach acknowledges that good lighting is not just about how much light is provided, but how and where it is delivered.

IMPLICATIONS FOR LIGHTING EDUCATION

For students and emerging professionals, layered lighting is more than a technique. It is a mindset.

It requires designers to think beyond luminaire placement and consider:

• spatial composition
• user behaviour
• visual hierarchy
• emotional impact

It also demands a higher level of coordination with architecture and interior design, as lighting becomes fully integrated into the spatial narrative.

BEYOND THE BUZZWORD

While “layered lighting” may currently be a popular term, its importance is not temporary. It reflects a lasting shift away from standardised, one size fits all solutions towards tailored, experiential, and adaptive design. The future of lighting is not brighter, it is more thoughtful.

And layered lighting, far from being just another trend, is one of the clearest expressions of that future.

BHA SCHOOL OF LIGHTING STUDENT NEWS

Celebrating Academic Excellence at BHA School of Lighting

We proudly congratulate Helen le Roux of Pienaar & Erwee Engineers and Shane Language of Spazio Lighting on graduating from our Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering and Lighting Design Course.

Helen has been an outstanding student throughout her studies, graduating with an A+ Distinction. Her exceptional results reflect her dedication, discipline and consistent commitment to excellence. Her assignments were completed with precision and demonstrated a genuine engagement with advanced illumination engineering principles. As she progressed into Second Year, her work showed increasing depth and confidence, particularly in lighting technologies, controls, standards and professional design practice.

Shane has also shown commendable dedication and consistency during his studies, graduating with an A Merit Pass. His performance reflects diligence, a positive approach and a clear commitment to mastering the course material. His assignments were consistently completed to a high standard, demonstrating thoughtful preparation, sound understanding and a disciplined academic approach. He has been a professional and respectful presence, contributing positively to every student support session.

It has been a privilege to teach and mentor both Helen and Shane. We commend their achievements and wish them every success as they continue to grow and contribute to the lighting industry.

We also congratulate Constance Mokou, who have successfully passed the first year examinations of the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering & Lighting Design course, we wish you all the best success as you begin your learning joourney in the second year of the course.

We wish the following BHA SoL students well, as they prepare for their First Year exams of the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering & Lighting Design course:

Akshay Kumar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Toby Que, Manilla, Philippines
Mzukisi Maxin Luciano Keli, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Welcome to all our new BHA SoL students, we hope you enjoy your learning experience of your chosen course:

Tamsin Nilson, Cape Town, South Africa – Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering Course
Ryan Mann, Johannesburg, South Africa – Foundation Lighting Course
Frith van Rooyen, Pretoria, South Africa – Relux Desktop Software Course
Gift Mthisi, Pretoria, South Africa – Relux Desktop Software Course
Ntsakiso Siweya, Pretoria, South Africa – Relux Desktop Software Course
Janola Reen, Pretoria, South Africa – Relux Desktop Software Course
Hein Roos, Pretoria, South Africa – Relux Desktop Software Course
Rudzani Mzamane, Pretoria, South Africa – Relux Desktop Software Course

BHA SoL Student Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following past & present students who celebrated their birthdays during March & April! We hope you all had fabulous birthdays and that this next year of life brings great success and prosperity, and above all good health!

Ahmed Hamdan Al Farsi, City of Barka, Sultanate of Oman – 2 May
Helen le Roux, Polokwane, South Africa – 3 May
Aya Boghdady, Alexandria, Egypt – 8 May
Shane Language, Cape Town, South Africa – 8 May
Akshay Kumar TP, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 18 May
Hagar Abdelfattah, Cairo, Egypt – 19 May
Oliver Hauser, Johannesburg, South Africa (Graduate) – 19 May
Harold Arellano, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 21 May
Ruben Triegaardt, Zierikzee, Zeeland, Netherlands (Graduate) – 21 May
Jade Holland, Umdkoti, KZN, South Africa – 29 May
Barry Robinson-Butler, Sandton, South Africa – 30 May
Frith van Rooyen, Pretoria, South Africa – 31 May
Gift Mthisi, Pretoria, South Africa – 31 May
Smith Pallekkatto Madhu, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 1 June
Charne-Lee Gunning, Sydney, Australia – 2 June
Aris De Vrye, Johannesburg, South Africa – 3 June
Frances Army Hernandez, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 10 June
Remy Leloup Guimezong, Cape Town, South Africa – 17 June
Neha Bora, Greater Noida West, Uttar Pradesh, India – 22 June

JOIN A PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING 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.