Dr Ng鈥檈no Faith Chelang鈥檃t

PhD, FHEA

School of Architecture and Landscape

Lecturer in Environment and Technology

Faith Ng'eno
Profile picture of Faith Ng'eno
f.c.ngeno@sheffield.ac.uk

Full contact details

Dr Ng鈥檈no Faith Chelang鈥檃t
School of Architecture and Landscape
Arts Tower
Western Bank
葫芦影业
S10 2TN
Profile

With a diverse background in architectural practice, teaching and research in Kenya and the UK, I am particularly interested in sustainable design solutions that integrates socio-economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions.  My experience from the global south reinforces my commitment to creating design solutions that are ecologically and socially responsible, reflective of the unique needs and contexts of the communities I work with.

My teaching experience spans courses in sustainable design and environment and technology, with a strong emphasis on hands-on 鈥learning by making鈥, studio design work, and community engagement. I encourage students to adopt a critical lens towards conventional design thinking, encouraging them to explore context-sensitive design solutions that empower communities and reflect their unique identities.

In both my practice and teaching, I emphasise a decolonial approach to sustainable design, advocating for a discourse that challenges Eurocentric design paradigms and instead centers on local knowledge, cultural heritage, and the specific needs of communities particularly in the Global South. Through the lens of decoloniality, my research contributes to the ongoing dialogue around sustainable design addressing how architecture can confront global challenges while respecting local contexts and traditions, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Qualifications

B. Architecture (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Kenya)

MSc. Sustainable Architecture Studies (University of 葫芦影业)

Ph.D. (University of 葫芦影业)

Research interests

I believe that sustainable design must go beyond technical solutions and engage with the social, cultural, and environmental contexts that shape people's lives. Through my research, I explore how architecture can respond to global challenges, such as climate change and urbanization, by staying deeply connected to local dynamics and knowledge systems. My work investigates how design can be more inclusive by reflecting the lived experiences of communities and addressing issues of equity and social justice. By incorporating a decolonial perspective, I aim to reshape the narrative around sustainable architecture, advocating for solutions that are not only environmentally sound but also culturally resonant, socially empowering and economically just. I am interested in collaboration within these five broad areas:

  1. Reimagining Sustainable Architecture through a Decolonial Lens:

Research would broadly involve challenging Eurocentric models in Global South contexts. Topics would focus on critically analysing and reinterpreting sustainable architectural practices by incorporating perspectives from local knowledge in the Global South. The research would aim to propose alternative methodologies that are more aligned with local cultures, histories, and socio-economic realities.

  1. Sustainable Design Strategies Inspired by Traditional Building Methods (Vernacular Architecture) in Post-Colonial Societies:

Research would explore how vernacular architecture, which often embodies sustainable practices, can inspire contemporary design. Inquiry would focus on identifying and adapting traditional construction techniques and materials in post-colonial societies to address modern sustainability challenges.

  1. Architectural Resilience and Cultural Heritage:

By investigating how decolonial approaches to architecture can enhance the resilience of indigenous communities to climate change, research would explore the integration of cultural heritage with climate-responsive design, proposing strategies that empower communities to preserve their traditions while adapting to environmental challenges.

  1. The Role of Participatory Design in Decolonising Architecture:

Using cases from the Global South, research would explore the role of participatory design in decolonising architecture, particularly in the Global South. It would investigate how involving local communities in the design process can lead to more sustainable and culturally resonant architectural solutions, promoting social equity and empowerment.

  1. Decolonising Architectural Education:

Research would examine how architectural education can be transformed by incorporating non-Western design philosophies. The main aim would be the creation of educational frameworks that includes indigenous and local knowledge systems, aiming to produce architects who are equipped to design in culturally diverse and contextually appropriate ways.

Publications

Journal articles

  • Chelang鈥檃t FN & Lawrence R () . Sustainability, 16(9), 3868-3868. RIS download Bibtex download
Teaching interests

My teaching interests center on fostering a critical understanding of sustainable design emphasizing learning by making. Through participatory design, critical regionalism, and design-build projects, I invite students to create inclusive, contextually relevant architecture by integrating contemporary science to indigenous knowledge and vernacular practices. I encourage students to challenge conventional narratives, encouraging hands-on experimentation with materials and construction techniques.

Teaching activities

My teaching in the School of Architecture, University of 葫芦影业 includes:

  • MSc. Sustainable Architecture Studies: Programme Co-lead.
  • MSc. Sustainable Architecture Studies studio design project: ARC6841/ ARC6842
  • Environment and Technology 2: ARC108
Professional activities and memberships

Fellow of The Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Registered Architect: Board of Registered Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) Kenya.

Corporate Member: Architectural Association of Kenya