NEWS

As part of its response to the coronavirus outbreak, CIBSE is planning to provide knowledge and training through webinars and online learning, said chief executive Stephen Matthews.

One of the planned SLL webinars, in mid-May, is with Katerina Konsta and Kristina Allison who will discuss achieving chartered engineer status through CIBSE using the alternative route (see p8).

The membership team and interviewers are also aiming to conduct interviews remotely using various platforms. 'No doubt we shall find many more ways of keeping everyone safe and informed, trying to make the abnormal more normal in the days ahead,' said Matthews (above).

With face-to-face events postponed, the institution will be supporting its volunteer network to set up virtual meetings where needed, said Laura Webb, director of membership. 'We will be moving to produce as much online content as possible so we can support members’ CPD needs,' she said. 'We will also be increasing our regular membership briefing webinars to support individuals with the membership application process, as well as having pre-recorded webinars available to watch now.'

CIBSE staff are now mostly working from home, but connected to the institution's systems, including phones and Microsoft Teams. 'We are looking to support the work of our volunteer groups and networks through our recent investment in Office 365 to support virtual CIBSE activities in the coming weeks,' said Matthews.

CIBSE SWITCHES EMPHASIS TO ONLINE

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE... There's a touch of the Olafur Eliassons about a series of lights created by Milan-based Mandalaki Design Studio. The Halo Edition provides illumination with projections through lenses, and results from the studio's research into optics and white light frequencies. The table lamps, floor lights and ceiling fixtures project colourful sun-like orbs on to their surroundings.

The process entails altering white light to eliminate unwanted frequencies and curating the colours that are emitted. The angle of refraction is also manipulated producing a vivid palette of colours. Four of the five versions have adjustable heads. 'We designed a light that is an art object,' say the designers. 'We want people to use Halos like an optical brush, painting an environment with shapes and hues.' https://haloedition.com

For the full statement: www.cibse.org/news-and-policy/march-2020/a-messagefrom-stephen-matthews,-chief-executive www.cibse.org/webinars; www.cibse.org/onlinelearning

LIGHTING BODIES LAUNCH JOINT INITIATIVE

The SLL, ILP, IALD and Zumtobel Group UK have launched a social media initiative called the Light Minded Movement. The Instagram project aims to encourage wellbeing among those working in lighting. A theme is being set each week and people are posting pictures which relate to it. 'It's an opportunity for the lighting community to communicate through images, showing how they are coping with the changes in their working conditions, life at home, family, how their days have changed and what they are doing to keep mentally well,' said SLL secretary Brendan Keely.

The administrators are Keely and Juliet Rennie from the SLL, Emma Cogswell of the IALD, Jess Gallacher of the ILP, and April Dorian and Dan Hodgson of Zumtobel Group UK.

The LMM will also refer people to the websites of Mind and the Samaritans. 'The term ‘social distancing’ is misleading and alienating,' said the launch statement. 'We need to come closer, albeit not physically.'