The team then continued independently of the study associations as an innovation Space team. Their focus remained the same: making technological light art for GLOW, and sometimes for other organizations as well.

The new, accredited student team IGNITE has a very broad scope. It’s not just an umbrella for groups that want to carry out projects for GLOW, but it also very much welcomes students who work on other light design projects, such as for municipalities, Brainport or festivals.

Bugs

The great thing is that everyone gets to determine for themselves how active her or she wants to be for IGNITE, bachelor’s student of Electrical Engineering Tom van Teeffelen says. “You can join one project, or apply your skills in different projects.” ID students, for example, tend to be good at devising concepts, whereas EE students play an essential part during the realization phase. 

Illana van den Akkerveken agrees. She was asked last year, after she completed her bachelor end project (BEP) Guided by Light, to work on the wayfinding (or signposts) at GLOW – you may remember those glowing mushroom signposts. Van den Akkerveken, currently a master’s student of Human Technology Interaction, continued to be involved with the project team, which is now a part of IGNITE. “During the upcoming edition of GLOW, small luminescent animals, so-called city bugs, will mark the route. We could definitely use more students to help us further develop these bugs.”

Skills

You are also free, by the way, to determine for yourself what you want to get out of joining IGNITE. Van Teeffelen: “It doesn’t matter whether you want to do something with light for your BEP, extend your portfolio or develop new skills – you’re more than welcome.”

Even if all you want to do is share your thoughts about light projects, that’s fine too. Simply attend one of the so-called LightNights, low-threshold events where groups present their projects and ask for tips and feedback. The third edition will take place on Wednesday evening (tonight!), June 8th.

Pilot

As a community for students who wish to become active in light projects, IGNITE – as stated earlier – doesn’t fit within the existing category of student teams. In its new guise, IGNITE did however peak TU/e’s interest, which is why the team will now be given a pilot status. Should the light community prove successful, similar broad teams centered around other themes might also be launched.

Another unique feature of IGNITE is its category: art and design. That is why the team has been made into the university’s first ever Art & Tech Team, in addition to the existing categories sustainability, artificial intelligence, and health and mobility.

Curious

“Not every student who wants to become active in a student team is equally interested in the organizational aspect. The great thing about this setup is that the organization is taken care of, and that new project teams can simply join,” Van Velzen says. In addition, teams can share materials and experiences, Van Teeffelen and Van den Akkerveken add.

In conclusion, Van Velzen would like to make it clear that IGNITE is really easy to join. “No matter what your background is, you’re always welcome. What matters most is that you’re motivated and that you have a curious attitude, the skills will follow automatically.”

IGNITE will organize a LightNight this evening (Wednesday, June 8th) in Light Assembly at TU/e innovation Space. It would be nice if you registered in advance. If you can’t make it, check the site or send an email for more information.