07 Mar The principal’s notebook – March 2025 Newsletter

The Principal’s Pen

Greetings to our readers. We certainly are living in interesting times.

Socio- political events, medical and scientific advances and for our lighting community, the technological advances continue to keep us on our toes.

I have tried my utmost to share information and my knowledge about some of the amazing technological lighting developments with as wide audiences as possible. I have written articles for lighting magazines and journals. The experts always say that if you want to hear if your efforts to inform audiences were successful, one needs to measure the effect. I have much experience in delivering presentations and writing to inform audiences and readers and know that there is only one way to measure the effectiveness. That one way is to submit the audience to a form of test or answering a questionnaire. Unfortunately, I learnt that tests or questionnaires worked once but resulted at much lower attendance or readership for subsequent events.

So, what is the solution to be sure that the audiences will rush to learn more, to read more? I do not have the answer.

In one of the modules that our students study, one of the assignment questions asks students to discuss the extent to which one of the lighting technologies has been adopted in their country. Generally, in South Africa, professionals are extremely slow to adopt new lighting technologies compared to the countries where our foreign students come from, there is wide adoption.

I have often asked myself why South African professionals, consulting engineers, architects and other professionals are so slow to adopt new lighting technologies. I have come to one conclusion, that is lack of knowledge and perhaps fear that their project will not be successful. I also believe that it is because they do not know how to make a case for the technology or to prove the great Return on Investment (ROI).

Artificial Intelligence continues to make progress, becoming more powerful and useful.

I am attending a webinar about XMind AI. If it has more than one step, it’s a project. Whether you’re planning an event, managing a team, or organising study notes, XMind AI helps you structure ideas, collaborate, and track progress effortlessly.

XMind AI is a powerful AI-powered mind mapping and brainstorming tool that helps you visually organise ideas, structure information, and manage projects effectively.

I am extremely excited to learn more and to master XMind AI. I have an idea that it will be an incredible tool for the students to help them to generate mind maps for each module that they study.

Those of us who regularly make use of AI are discovering more and more reasons to make greater use of AI in our businesses. I urge readers not to be left behind. Start your discovery of AI as soon as possible.

I have been preparing not only to discover how AI can be supportive in our business, but mainly to be prepared for some exciting developments that are already happening in the lighting industry but also for what is to come with the inclusion of AI in lighting design software. IEESA recently published an article titled “How AI-powered lighting assistants are transforming the local lighting industry” Read the article for their perspective of the use of AI in the lighting industry.

I was thrilled to be part of the live Silhouette Awards on Friday evening 28 February 2025, which was streamed live on Youtube. To watch the full event, goto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6gx662AGW0. The event was very professionally executed, was slick and interesting to the end.

The winners each enjoy mentoring by one of the 20 international mentors. I am thrilled to be mentoring Lally Widelska from Bristol in the United Kingdom. I am sure that I will learn so much from the experience of mentoring someone who is already a lighting designer in another country.

Congratulations to those students who have passed their first year examinations of the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering course and have progressed to second year. You will be astounded at what you will learn during second year lifting your knowledge and ability to new high levels.

Finally, we wish all the best to both first 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 especially when they graduate.

With best regards

Philip Hammond

Student Spotlight: Helen Le Roux – My enlightening journey in the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering at BHA School of Lighting

Helen Le Roux recently completed the first year examinations and advanced to second year and submitted this testimonial article for publication.

“As I reflect on the first year of my journey in the Advanced Diploma in Illumination Engineering course at BHA School of Lighting, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Coming from a background as a draughtsman at an Electrical Engineering Consulting firm in Limpopo, South Africa, my initial knowledge of lighting was very minimal. I was curious but lacked the foundational expertise that this field demands. Enrolling in this course has proven to be one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made.

The past year has been a whirlwind of learning, challenges, and personal growth. Stepping into the second year and looking back to the very first module, I realized how much I had to learn. Concepts that once seemed foreign, such as photometry, colour theory, and lighting design principles, have become familiar territory. Each module and assignment both theoretical and practical has built upon my understanding, allowing me to engage with lighting in ways I never imagined possible. The structured curriculum and the expertise and support of the instructors have been invaluable in guiding my transformation from a novice to someone who feels confident in discussing illumination engineering.

One of the most fulfilling aspects has been the noticeable growth in my knowledge and skills. Not only have I felt this evolution personally, but my colleagues and peers have also observed it. They’ve commented on how my contributions to projects have become more insightful, and I’ve started to take on greater responsibilities in our designs and discussions. This newfound confidence has ignited a passion for lighting that I didn’t know I possessed.

However, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing a full-time job while pursuing this diploma has tested my time management and resilience. Juggling work commitments, family responsibilities, and study time has required sacrifices and an unwavering commitment to my goals. There were moments of exhaustion, doubt, and the temptation to put my studies on hold. Yet, every time I faced a difficult concept or a demanding project, I reminded myself of why I enrolled in this program: to become a competent professional who can contribute meaningfully to the field of lighting engineering.

Was it worth it? Without a doubt. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained have not only enhanced my career prospects but have also deepened my appreciation for the art and science of lighting. I’ve come to understand how crucial good lighting design is in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. I can now contribute to projects with a level of insight that was previously beyond my reach, and this has reinvigorated my passion for my work.

In conclusion, the first half of this diploma has been a transformative journey. I am excited about what lies ahead and look forward to continuing this path of professional and personal development. For anyone considering a similar endeavor, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap. The rewards, both tangible and intangible, are truly worth it.

Here’s to the next twelve months of growth, discovery, and illumination!”

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