Lorna Kiamba
Associate Professor in Environmental Design and Architecture, Faculty of Engineering
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Biography
Dr Lorna Kiamba is an Associate Professor in Environmental Design and Architecture at the Department of Architecture and Built Environment of the University of Nottingham. Lorna qualified as an architect in Kenya in 2007. She has experience working in practice developing and implementing design projects for private and public-sector clients in Kenya and other Sub-Saharan countries. She has attained a Bachelor of Architecture degree (Hons) from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, an MPhil in Environmental Design from the University of Cambridge, UK, and a PhD in Architecture from the University of Nottingham. Her focus on environmental design and sustainability stems from her conviction to improve awareness of issues impacting the environment, and the actions that built environment professionals can take to improve and sustain it.
Expertise Summary
Lorna has expertise in the areas of: thermal performance of buildings and its implications on thermal comfort and energy use, community energy, community resilience and energy policy.
Teaching Summary
Lorna teaches at both undergraduate and post graduate level where her teaching is largely centered on integrated environmental design. She works with students in early and final stages of their… read more
Research Summary
Overall, my research work involves addressing the architectural and urban implications of sustainability issues ranging from energy use to occupant comfort, with the aim of achieving net zero carbon… read more
If you would like to discuss issues related to your pastoral care or tutoring, you can sign up (via e-mail) to see me on Thursdays between 9am to 10pm (term time only). I am happy try to find timesoutside of this - just let me know.
Lorna teaches at both undergraduate and post graduate level where her teaching is largely centered on integrated environmental design. She works with students in early and final stages of their architectural and built environment degree programs, working to introduce or delve further into architectural and environmental design concepts. She prides herself in creating a studio and classroom environment that accommodates the needs of her individual students while still promoting a high level of critical thought and design skills.
Current Research
Overall, my research work involves addressing the architectural and urban implications of sustainability issues ranging from energy use to occupant comfort, with the aim of achieving net zero carbon targets without compromising comfort. Specific areas of interest linked to my past and present work include: climate-responsive buildings and urban spaces (human comfort); energy efficiency in buildings (decarbonisation); vernacular architecture (lessons for contemporary buildings); energy policy (barriers to decarbonisation); community energy (socio-economic aspects and just transitions); post-occupancy evaluation (performance gaps and user feedback) and community engagement (for sustainability).
Largely influenced by my professional background as a practicing architect, I am specifically interested in engaging in research that has practical applications. In addition to supporting my teaching practice, I see my work on sustainability as helping bridge the gap between research and industry/practice locally and internationally. Presently, I am a co-lead in the African SCENe project where we are seeking to demonstrate the turning of schools within informal settlements in Africa into Community Energy Hubs. This will be achieved through innovative business models that make energy generation and storage technology accessible, fostering sustainable energy practices, enhancing local resilience, and empowering communities to take control of their energy production and consumption.
Future Research
I welcome inquiries from potential PhD candidates from Home, EU and international countries who are interested in the following research areas: Community energy, sustainable design in architecture, passive design of buildings, thermal building performance, shading performance analysis, thermal comfort, comfort and energy efficiency in buildings, vernacular architecture and building regulations in developing countries (focus on comfort and energy efficiency).