Workshop on Architectural Lighting with AKTO Art & Design College Students: When Education Meets a Real Lighting Project
HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas had the pleasure of welcoming second-year students from AKTO Art & Design College as part of an original architectural lighting workshop, inspired by Professor Nikos Dikas in collaboration with HUB’s Lighting Manager, Christina Moudara. The visit became a meaningful educational experience, bridging academic theory with professional practice and allowing students to experience lighting not merely as a technical tool, but as an essential component of architectural composition and spatial experience.
The day began with a guided tour of the HUB facilities, with particular focus on the “Tunnel Lighting Experience”, where students were introduced to qualitative lighting parameters such as Color Rendering Index (CRI), color temperature, and various applications of architectural lighting. Through immersive demonstrations and real project examples, they explored how LIGHT can fundamentally influence spatial perception, atmosphere, and user experience.
The HUB team then shared the philosophy and values of KAFKAS, while also presenting emerging trends in lighting, technology, and building automation systems. The discussion further expanded into contemporary professional opportunities and the diverse career paths available to young creatives within architecture and lighting design.
Students showed a unique interest in understanding the HUB team’s workflow through real case studies and lighting projects. They were introduced to the process of developing photometric studies using specialized lighting software, as well as the creation of photorealistic visualizations that assist in the understanding and communication of the final lighting result. At the same time, they explored how lighting concepts are integrated into architectural plans, highlighting the importance of precision and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The third and most interactive part of the workshop transformed HUB into a vibrant platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas. The students were divided into nine groups and presented the projects they are currently developing, receiving guidance and lighting consultation from HUB lighting specialists, particularly in the field of architectural lighting. Through this process, the workshop evolved into a real-time professional “role-playing” experience, allowing participants to understand how creative discussions unfold between consultants, designers, and clients in actual project environments.
Beyond technical knowledge, the workshop emphasized the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving, known as essential skills for the next generation of professionals who will shape the spaces of the future.
The visit concluded with an open discussion between the students and the HUB team, exchanging thoughts and feedback about the overall experience. The enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement of the participants reaffirmed that education gains true value when connected to real-world practice and experiential learning.
At HUB Lighting & Innovation by Kafkas, we believe that the future of architectural lighting is built through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the inspiration of the next generation of creators.
