Professor Heba Elsharkawy
Faculties, departments and locations
- Kingston School of Art
- Department of Architecture and Landscape
- School of Arts
Professor in Architecture
- Email:
- [email protected]
About
I am Professor of Architecture and Head of the Department of Architecture and Landscape at Kingston School of Art, Kingston University. With over 23 years of experience in higher education, I have progressed through academic roles from Teaching Assistant to Reader and Professor. I am a registered architect in the MENA region and hold a BSc in Architecture, MSc in Architectural Studies, and a PhD in Architecture from the University of Nottingham. I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), and Fellow Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (FCIAT).
My research focuses on environmental design, sustainability, and education for climate resilience. I have led and co-led major funded projects including British Council and Medical Research Council grants, with a combined value exceeding £470K. I have published extensively in high-impact journals and conferences, and my work has informed policy and practice in sustainable architecture.
I am member of the SCOSA Council, leading the Climate Literacy Working Group to embed sustainability across architectural curricula nationally. I also serve on the Education Committee of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and contribute as External Examiner to several UK and international institutions. My leadership has shaped curriculum innovation, international collaborations, and civic engagement, aligning with Kingston University’s strategic priorities and values.
Qualifications
- PhD in Architecture, University of Nottingham, UK
- Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (PgCUTL), Cardiff University, UK
- MSc in Architectural Studies, Cairo University
- BSc in Architecture, Ain Shams University
Domains
My teaching practice is grounded in critical reflection, informed by student feedback and underpinned by my Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning and recognition as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). With over 20 years of embedding climate literacy, sustainability, and environmental design into architectural education, I have developed inclusive, research-informed curricula across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at four UK universities.
I have led modules in design studio, net zero carbon and environmental design, architectural representation, research methods, and dissertation supervision. My leadership includes course leadership for BSc (Hons) Architecture, BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology, and MSc Sustainable Mega Buildings.
Beyond institutional impact, I contribute to national and international pedagogic innovation. I am Joint Chair of SCOSA, leading the Climate Literacy Working Group, and a member of the Commonwealth Association of Architects’ Education Committee. I have served as External Examiner and validation panel member for RIBA, CIAT, and multiple UK and international institutions.
Qualifications
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Courses taught
My research expertise centers on environmental design and education for sustainability, informed by over two decades of interdisciplinary academic practice. I have published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals and conferences and have successfully led and contributed to major research funding bids, including UKRI opportunities focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
I recently led the British Council-funded project Towards Net Zero Carbon Campuses, supporting universities in developing Climate Action Frameworks and building institutional capacity for carbon reduction. As Co-Investigator on the Healthy Energy Efficient Dwellings project (MRC, £187K), I examined the impact of building performance on occupant health in social housing. I also served as Principal Investigator on the Building Capacity for Sustainable Development of the Built Environment project (British Council, £288K), delivering international research, training, and dual degree programmes.
I supervise PhD and MArch students, and actively foster interdisciplinary research aligned with global sustainability goals.
Specialisms
- Environmental design
- Designing for net zero carbon
- Education for sustainability and climate literacy
- Pro-environmental behaviour
- Building performance and occupants comfort
I lead strategic initiatives in business innovation, knowledge exchange, and international academic collaboration, underpinned by over two decades of experience in architectural education and sustainability. I have generated over £586K in commercial income through international summer schools and training programmes, including the Net Zero Carbon: Architecture and Landscape in Climate Emergency programme at Kingston University and the Low Carbon Architecture Summer Programme at Cardiff University.
As Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on multiple funded projects—including Towards Net Zero Carbon Campuses (British Council), Healthy Energy Efficient Dwellings (MRC), and Building Capacity for Sustainable Development of the Built Environment (British Council, £288K)—I have delivered impactful research, professional training, and transnational education models.
I actively contribute to sector-wide transformation through leadership roles in SCOSA and the Commonwealth Association of Architects, and have developed international partnerships with institutions in Egypt, South Africa, and the USA to advance sustainable design and global academic exchange.
Areas of interest
- Short courses and summer schools
- Transnational Education partnerships and models
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)
- International collaborations and partnerships
As Head of Department, I lead strategic engagement with Professional, Statutory, and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs), subject associations, and external organisations to enhance student success, staff development, and Kingston University's sector reputation. I oversee accreditation and quality assurance for programmes validated by ARB, RIBA, LI, RICS, and IHBC, ensuring alignment with evolving professional standards.
The Department plays an active role in national and international academic networks, including SCOSA and the Association of Architectural Educators (AAE). Through these platforms, I drive innovation in climate literacy, sustainability, and inclusive education, while fostering partnerships that support transnational education, knowledge exchange, and employability.
As Head of Department, I provide strategic leadership across academic portfolio development, staff and resource management, and quality enhancement of the student experience. I actively contribute to Kingston University’s institutional strategy through roles in the Town House Strategy—serving as Associate Lead for External Partnering (Future Skills Campaign) and Advisory Group member for Staff Rewards and Recognition.
Driven by a deep commitment to climate literacy and sustainability, I serve on the University’s Net Zero Carbon and Communications & Engagement Steering Groups, supporting Kingston’s goal to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2038/39 and Scope 3 by 2050/51.
I lead curriculum innovation, PSRB engagement (RIBA, ARB, LI, RICS), and interdisciplinary initiatives that align with Kingston’s civic and global mission. As a member of the School Management Group and Department Management Group, I oversee strategic planning, staff development, and funding acquisition, ensuring excellence in teaching, research, and knowledge exchange.
Qualifications and expertise
- Leadership and Management training, Kingston University
- Developing Leaders Programme, Cardiff University
- Aurora leadership training by Advance HE
- First Aid Qualification Course
- Mental Health First Aid, MHFA England
Publications
Building capacity in higher education: staff perceptions on education for sustainability
Elsharkawy, Heba, Fonseca, Tânia Dias and Sengupta, Somak, 2025, Journal of Education for Sustainable Development (18), 2pp 142-165, Published
Effects of retrofit strategies on thermal comfort and energy performance in social housing for current and future weather scenarios
Basaly, Lucienne G., Hashemi, Arman, Elsharkawy, Heba, Newport, Darryl and Badawy, Nancy Mahmoud, 2024, Buildings (15), 1, Published
Comparative assessment of insulation materials for improving indoor air quality in building retrofit
Narayanan, Vishnupriya, Hashemi, Arman, Elsharkawy, Heba, Newport, Darryl and Basaly, Lucienne, 2024, Environmental Science & Sustainable Development (9), 2pp 34-47, Published
Evaluating thermal comfort and overheating risks in a social housing prototype: as built versus retrofit scenarios
Basaly, Lucienne, Hashemi, Arman, Elsharkawy, Heba, Newport, Darryl and Badawy, Nancy, 2024, Environmental Science & Sustainable Development (9), 2pp 23-33, Published
Urban green systems for improving pedestrian thermal comfort and walkability in future climate scenarios in London
Taher, Hashem, Elsharkawy, Heba and Rashed, Haitham Farouk, 2024, Buildings (14), 3, Published
To what extent can solar control be effective in enhancing indoor comfort in a fully glazed office building?
Farouk, H. and Elsharkawy, H., 2020, IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (588), Published
The significance of occupancy profiles in determining post retrofit indoor thermal comfort, overheating risk and building energy performance
Elsharkawy, Heba and Zahiri, Sahar, 2020, Building and Environment (172), Published
The influence of urban green systems on the Urban Heat Island effect in London
Taher, Hashem, Elsharkawy, Heba and Newport, Darryl, 2019, IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (329), Published
Assessing overheating risk and thermal comfort in state-of-the-art prototype houses that combat exacerbated climate change in UK
Ozarisoy, Bertug and Elsharkawy, Heba, 2019, Energy and Buildings (187)pp 201-217, Published
Towards energy-efficient retrofit of council housing in London: assessing the impact of occupancy and energy-use patterns on building performance
Zahiri, Sahar and Elsharkawy, Heba, 2018, Energy and Buildings (174)pp 672-681, Published
Energy-efficient retrofit of social housing in the UK: lessons learned from a Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) in Nottingham
Elsharkawy, Heba and Rutherford, Peter, 2018, Energy and Buildings (172)pp 295-306, Published
Energy saving of the domestic housing stocks: application development as a plug-in for energy simulation software
Shi, Wei, Abdalla, Hassan, Elsharkawy, Heba and Chandler, Alan, 2017, International Journal of Parallel, Emergent and Distributed Systems (32), sup1, Published
Retrofitting social housing in the UK: home energy use and performance in a pre-Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP)
Elsharkawy, Heba and Rutherford, Peter, 2015, Energy and Buildings (88)pp 25-33, Published
Evaluating the building performance of an office building in London to improve indoor thermal comfort
Elsharkawy, Heba and Zahiri, Sahar (2018). [Published]
The impact of occupants' energy use behaviour on building performance: a case study of a tower block in London
Zahiri, Sahar, Elsharkawy, Heba and Shi, Wei (2018). [Published]
Assessing energy use and overheating risk for retrofitting a residential tower block prototype in Northern Cyprus
Ozarisoy, Bertug and Elsharkawy, Heba (2018). [Published]
A state of the art review of the impact of Vertical Greenery Systems (VGS) on the energy performance of buildings in temperate climates
Taher, Hashem, Elsharkawy, Heba and Newport, Darryl (2018). [Published]
Developing a framework for embedding Education for Sustainability (EfS) within the built environment sector in Egypt
Clough, Jack, Elsharkawy, Heba and Zahiri, Sahar (2018). [Published]
Improving the building performance and thermal comfort of an office building to reduce overheating risk
Elsharkawy, Heba, Zahiri, Sahar and Ozarisoy, Bertug (2018). [Published]
The importance of occupancy and energy use patterns on predicting building energy performance: a case study of a residential building in London
Zahiri, Sahar, Elsharkawy, Heba and Shi, Wei (2018). [Published]
An investigation into energy consumption behaviour and lifestyles in UK homes: Developing a smart application as a tool for reducing home energy use
Shi, Wei, Elsharkawy, Heba and Abdalla, Hassan (2017). [Published]
Building performance evaluation for the retrofit of council housing in the UK: a case study of a tower block in London
Zahiri, Sahar and Elsharkawy, Heba (2017). [Published]
Education for sustainable development of the built environment: problem-based learning approach for embedding sustainability
Elsharkawy, Heba and Zahiri, Sahar (2017). [Published]
Retrofit strategies for the existing residential tower blocks in Northern Cyprus
Ozarisoy, Bertug and Elsharkawy, Heba (2017). [Published]
The window to wall ratio for high-rise office buildings in a temperate climate: assessing façade embodied energy and building operative energy (life cycle energy) in London
Taher, Hashem and Elsharkawy, Heba (2017). [Published]
The changing needs in residential design post-pandemic
Elsharkawy, Heba(2022). [Published]
Evaluating the building performance of an office building in London to improve indoor thermal comfort
Elsharkawy, Heba and Zahiri, Sahar(2018). [Published]
The impact of occupants' energy use behaviour on building performance: a case study of a tower block in London
Zahiri, Sahar, Elsharkawy, Heba and Shi, Wei(2018). [Published]
Assessing energy use and overheating risk for retrofitting a residential tower block prototype in Northern Cyprus
Ozarisoy, Bertug and Elsharkawy, Heba(2018). [Published]
A state of the art review of the impact of Vertical Greenery Systems (VGS) on the energy performance of buildings in temperate climates
Taher, Hashem, Elsharkawy, Heba and Newport, Darryl(2018). [Published]
Developing a framework for embedding Education for Sustainability (EfS) within the built environment sector in Egypt
Clough, Jack, Elsharkawy, Heba and Zahiri, Sahar(2018). [Published]
Improving the building performance and thermal comfort of an office building to reduce overheating risk
Elsharkawy, Heba, Zahiri, Sahar and Ozarisoy, Bertug(2018). [Published]
The importance of occupancy and energy use patterns on predicting building energy performance: a case study of a residential building in London
Zahiri, Sahar, Elsharkawy, Heba and Shi, Wei(2018). [Published]
An innovative energy efficiency application development: through the evaluation of occupants‘ behavioural issues and its impact on domestic energy consumption in the UK
Shi, Wei and Elsharkawy, Heba(2017). [Published]
Building capacity for sustainable development of the built environment in Egypt: challenges and opportunities
Elsharkawy, Heba(2017). [Published]
Building performance evaluation of an office building in the UK - a case study of a university office building
Carter, Beth, Elsharkawy, Heba and Zahiri, Sahar(2017). [Published]
Building performance optimisation for the retrofit of a council tower block in London
Zahiri, Sahar and Elsharkawy, Heba(2017). [Published]
Passive cooling design strategies for retrofit of residential tower blocks in Northern Cyprus
Ozarisoy, Bertug and Elsharkawy, Heba(2017). [Published]
An investigation into energy consumption behaviour and lifestyles in UK homes: Developing a smart application as a tool for reducing home energy use
Shi, Wei, Elsharkawy, Heba and Abdalla, Hassan(2017). [Published]
Building performance evaluation for the retrofit of council housing in the UK: a case study of a tower block in London
Zahiri, Sahar and Elsharkawy, Heba(2017). [Published]
Education for sustainable development of the built environment: problem-based learning approach for embedding sustainability
Elsharkawy, Heba and Zahiri, Sahar(2017). [Published]
Retrofit strategies for the existing residential tower blocks in Northern Cyprus
Ozarisoy, Bertug and Elsharkawy, Heba(2017). [Published]
The window to wall ratio for high-rise office buildings in a temperate climate: assessing façade embodied energy and building operative energy (life cycle energy) in London
Taher, Hashem and Elsharkawy, Heba(2017). [Published]
Passive design approach for high-rise buildings: from courtyards to skycourts
Alnusairat, Saba and Elsharkawy, Heba(2015). [Published]
Energy consumption behaviour and home performance: Community energy saving programme in Aspley, Nottingham
Elsharkawy, H., Rutherford, P. and Rashed, H.(2013). [Published]
Targeting people's behaviour for effective policy delivery: community energy saving programme (CESP) in Aspley, Nottingham
Elsharkawy, HE, Rutherford, P. and Wilson, R.(2012). [Published]
The role of open spaces in university campuses in the Egyptian context
Rached, I. and Elsharkawy, Heba Eihab(2012). [Published]
How Can the Code for Sustainable Homes Deliver the UK Zero Carbon Homes?
Elsharkawy, Heba E. and Rutherford, Peter(2010). [Published]
Climate change: the impacts of sea level rise on Egypt
Elsharkawy, Heba, Rashed, Haitham and Rached, I.(2009). [Published]
Virtual museum: towards a new typology of the museum in the future
Rashed, Haitham and Elsharkawy, Heba(2009). [Published]