The MSC Lighting Design Programme is held by Aalborg University at its Copenhagen campus. Its interdisciplinary approach covers both daylight and artificial light in the crossing between three scientific fields; media technology, engineering and architecture. The purpose of the programme is for graduates to have an academic-technological as well as process-related approach to lighting design, and not least, a particular sense in designing with light in virtual and physical spaces, explains Ellen Kathrine Hansen.
”I think Danes have a grounded understanding for this transdisciplinary approach, especially within lighting and architecture referring to the modern movement where function and aesthetics are united. We are also lucky that the problem based approach is very advanced at Aalborg University and this is especially valuable when exploring the potentials of designing with light and exploring new possibilities”, she adds.
International accolades
Introduced merely four years ago the programme already gets international accolades.
Michael Mullins, cofounder of the MSC Lighting Programme, is very pleased with the success and international response.
”I think there are a number of reasons. Firstly, the concept of a cross disciplinary education, in which we combine the spatial sensibilities of the architect, the technical skills of the engineer together with the programming and interactive skills of the computer scientist. Secondly, the team of highly skilled and dedicated colleagues who have taken up the challenge of establishing a completely new educational concept with unsurpassed motivation and enthusiasm. Thirdly, our success in establishing research programmes, which collaborate with many municipalities and businesses, and which link the educational programme and students directly to state of the art knowledge and research.”
Industry collaboration
The program is truly international, engaging lecturers and students from all over the world. Currently it has 52 participating students from 23 countries, contributing to a dynamic environment that encourages accomplishments on high international levels.
”One of the important characteristics is the programmes’ close collaboration with representatives from the industry”, says guest lecturer Henrik Clausen. As the director of Fagerhult Lighting Academy he encourages the exchange between academy and industry:
”The interdisciplinary approach is extremely valuable as lighting design is becoming more and more complex. The Aalborg MSC programme has the benefits of evidence based learning where facts always come first – without rejecting the importance of experience. I think all professions – architects, lighting designers, engineers, developers and manufacturers – will benefit from this holistic point of view”, says Henrik Clausen. A thought that is reflected by Michael Mullins:
”The lighting industry has become increasingly specialized in recent years, with a great deal of technical know-how required for successful lighting design. In line with many other areas in architecture, media technology and engineering fields, this requires trained specialists.”
"The team of teachers represent very different fields and nationalities and we managed to create a common understanding and drive to form this programme together. We are very respectful to each other’s fields and very open-minded and engaged to get the best out of combining the fields.” Ellen Katherine Hansen, Programme Coordinator, Associate Professor, PhD
MICHAEL MULLINS
Vice-Head of Department, Associate Professor, PhD
”I was trained as an architect at the Royal Academy Copenhagen in Denmark and have practiced for over 20 years with my own architectural firm. While teaching students in light, I became aware of the need in Denmark for a fulltime educational programme in light; at public presentations, this was often confirmed by many people in the lighting industry. It was on this basis, together with detailed surveys carried out by the Danish Lighting Center in 2012, which confirmed the need, that I decided to establish a Masters program in Lighting Design under the department of Architecture and Media Technology, for which I was at that time the head. Together with an excellent team of colleagues, the education was officially accredited in 2013.”
GEORGIOS TRIANTAFYLLIDIS
Associate Professor, Ph.D.
“Media technology is now a major player in lighting design. Connected lighting, intelligent and interactive lighting systems, use of IoT and virtual and augmented reality, as well as lighting for smart buildings and cities are only few cases, where media technology is applied. In this context, and with my background as electrical & computer engineer with specialization to smart systems and computer vision, I participate in this transdisciplinary educational approach for creating the new generation of lighting designers, with a broad and deep understanding of the quantitative and qualitative values of lighting.
"In my teaching I use my architectural approach and the experience I have from working in a transdisciplinary environment. The academic angle and the fact that architecture, lighting fundamentals and media technology goes hand in hand gives the students a solid foundation." Mette Hvass, external lecturer
JAKOB MARKVARDT
Senior Researcher
”My main interest concerns the indoor climate and light measurements in relation to light perception. I contribute to this Masters programme with my knowledge on performing indoor and outdoor light measurements and how the measurements are related to e.g. room experience and biological factors. With my educational background as a horticulturist I try to reinforce that the students understand the importance of light (and darkness) for life – both indoor and outdoor – by giving them examples followed by exercises so that they get familiar with the appropriate measuring techniques.”
STINE LOURING NIELSEN
PHD Fellow
”I am carrying out my PhD studies in Lighting Design at Aalborg University Copenhagen – focusing on ambient lighting in healthcare environments. In relation to this, I teach students at the Masters Programme. In my research and teaching, I am generally intrigued by and occupied with the interrelation and dynamics of people, space and atmosphere. As a trained anthropologist, I introduce a qualitative ethnographic approach to our students, by teaching them qualitative methods and analytical tools, that make them able to detect qualitative parameters for human experiences and practices in everyday life in relation to lighting design. By this, I feed into the overall transdisciplinary approach of our programme, making our students able to not only take quantitative aspects of lighting design into account but also its more qualitative everyday life effects on a social and cultural level.”
"Now we finally see, and reap, the benefits of education and industry working together "for a common greater good. Together we are preparing the next generation of lighting designers for the upcoming challenges they will be facing in the global community.” Henrik Clausen, External Lecturer and Director Fagerhult Lighting Academy