BIO
Claudia is Associate Professor in Housing at the School of Social Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. She holds a PhD and a MScEng in Building Engineering. She has extensive experience in trans-disciplinary research projects and consultancy work in the areas of: informal settlements upgrading, energy efficient building design and retrofit, green infrastructure, and sustainable urban regeneration. Between 2016-2024 Claudia was a Royal Society Newton Advanced Fellow, for a project in partnership with the University of Westminster (London), titled: “Building Urban Resilience for Self-Reliance in African Cities”. She was also Principal Investigator for the South African team of the ISULABANTU project (2016-2020) focused on Community-led Upgrading for self-reliance in informal settlements in South Africa. Both collaborative projects provided opportunities for community engagement (fieldwork, community events), training (in-field community training) and capacity building (in the areas of project management, construction management, and environmental management).
She is currently leading a research project funded by NRF in collaboration with ETH Zurich, aimed at Re-engineering informal construction through circular practices and models.
She is a Green Star South Africa Accredited Professional with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) and a (National Research Foundation) NRF C-rated researcher.
Degrees Held
- PhD in Building Engineering
- MScEng in Building Engineering
Research Interestes
- Informal Urbanisation
- Low-income & informal settlements upgrading
- Resilience and self-reliance
- Sustainable human settlements
- Green infrastructure, smart cities & renewable energy sources integration
- Green building design and renovation;
Teaching Interests
- Housing Technology
- Human Habitat/Sustainable Human Settlements
- Construction Technology & drawing
- Research methodology
- Participatory Action research
- Project-based Learning (PBL) approach
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
Chapters in Books
Conference Proceedings
Journal Articles
- Loggia, C. and Govender, V. (2026) ‘Towards a community-led disaster response in informal settlements. A pilot study in South Africa’, Development Southern Africa, pp. 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2026.2677680
- Georgiadou, C., & Loggia, C. (2025). Community-led vs. subsidised housing. Lessons from informal settlements in Durban. Housing Studies, 40(11), 2335–2362. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2024.2397425
- Mhlanga, , Haupt, T.C. and Loggia, C. (2024), “Shaping circular economy in the built environment in Africa. A bibliometric analysis”, Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 22 No. 2, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-03-2022-0175
- Georgiadou,MC., Gyamfi , Hirmer S. and, Loggia,C. (2024) A dataset of community perspectives on living conditions and disaster risk management in informal settlements: A case study in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Data in Brief, Volume 52, 109847, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2023.109847
- Govender , Loggia, C. (2021) Capturing lost and abandoned spaces. Architecture South Africa. Journal of the South African Institute of Architects. Issue:100 June July August Many Voices ISSN: 1682-9387
- Govender V., Loggia, C. (2021) Capturing lost and abandoned spaces. Architecture South Africa. Journal of the South African Institute of Architects. Issue:100 June July August Many Voices ISSN: 1682-9387
- Georgiadou, M.C., Loggia, C., Bisaga, I., Parikh, P. (2021) “Towards Sustainable Informal Settlements: A Toolkit for Community-Led Upgrading in Durban, South Africa” Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Engineering Sustainability, Volume 174 Issue 2, April 2021, pp. 83-93 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1680/jensu.20.00040
- Parikh, P., Bisaga, I., Loggia, C. Georgiadou, M.C., Ojo-Aromokudu, J. (2020) “Barriers and opportunities for participatory environmental upgrading: Case study of Havelock informal settlement, Durban”. City and Environment Interactions, Volume 5, March 2020, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cacint.2020.100041
- Loggia, V. Govender (2020). A Hybrid Methodology to Map Informal Settlements in Durban, South Africa. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Engineering Sustainability, 173:5, 257-268. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1680/jensu.19.00005
- Bisaga, P. Parikh, C. Loggia (2019). Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Urban Farming in South African Low-Income Settlements: A Case Study in Durban. Sustainability, 11, 5660; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205660
- T. Ojo-Aromokudu, C. Loggia, C. Ndinda (2018) “The naming of informal dwellings by residents. My dwelling is a mirror of the nation – “Isibuko Sezwe”, BNG Human Settlements Sector Journal (July-November 2018) ISSN 2520-9442. Available at: http://www.dhs.gov.za/content/publications
- T. Ojo-Aromokudu, C. Loggia (2017) “SELF-HELP CONSOLIDATION CHALLENGES IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING IN SOUTH AFRICA”. Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation (JCPMI), Volume 7, Special Issue 1, University of Johannesburg, ISSN: 2223-7852
- T. Ojo-Aromokudu, C. Loggia (2016) “Normal” Informality in Low-Income Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. LOYOLA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Vol. XXX, No.2, Jul-Dec 2016, pp 191-212, ISSN 0971-4960
- Loggia, D. Hayman, V. Tramontin (2015) “THE USE OF BEHAVIOURAL MODELLING TO DEVELOP SMART BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA”. Journal of Construction, Volume 8 Issue n. 4, ASOCSA (Association of School of Construction of Southern Africa), Cape Town.
- Loggia, V. Tramontin, C. Trois (2015) “Sustainable housing in developing countries. Meeting Social and environmental targets by “greening” low-income settlements in South Africa”. International Journal of Sustainability Policy and Practice, Vol.9, issue 4, ISSN: 2325-1166, Common Ground Publishing LLC
- Tramontin, C. Loggia, C. Trois (2012) “Strategies for sustainable building design and retrofit in developing countries. New goals for green buildings in South Africa”, Journal of Construction, Volume 5, n.1, ISSN 1994 -7402 pp. 12-17.
Chapters in Books
- Garau , Desogus G., Orrù E., and Loggia, C. (2023) A Theoretical Framework for Climate Change Adaptation Participatory Planning in Vulnerable Coastal Zones. In O. Gervasi et al. (Eds.): ICCSA 2023 Workshops, LNCS 14105, pp. 246–268, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37108-0_16
- Govender, V., Loggia, (2023). Adaptive Co-Design for Self-Help Housing in Durban. In: Haupt, T.C., Akinlolu, M., Simpeh, F., Amoah, C., Armoed, Z. (eds) Construction in 5D: Deconstruction, Digitalization, Disruption, Disaster, Development. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 245. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-97748-1_4
- Govender V., Loggia C. (2021) Adaptive Reuse Strategies in Durban Inner City Using Hybrid Mapping Tools. In: Magidimisha-Chipungu H.H., Chipungu L. (eds) Urban Inclusivity in Southern Africa. The Urban Book Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81511-0_12
- C. Georgiadou, C. Loggia (2021). Beyond self-help: Learning from communities in informal settlements in Durban, South Africa. in: African cities and collaborative futures. Urban platforms and metropolitan logistics Editors: Professor Michael Keith and Dr Andreza Aruska de Souza Santos. Publisher: Manchester University Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7765/9781526155351.00010
- Argiolas, C. Loggia, V. Tramontin, C. Trois (2012) “A web application to support decision making process based on a bottom-up approach in public buildings’ green retrofit”- Chapter 8 in Handbook “Emerging Software for Interactive Interfaces, Database, Computer Graphics and Animation: Pixels and the New Excellence in Communicability, Cloud Computing and Augmented Reality”, pp. 83 – 93, Blue herons Editions ISBN: 978-88-96471-19-7, DOI: 10.978.8896471/197, Series Volume: I, Published in December 2012.
- Argiolas, C. Loggia (2012) “Solar Community Model: a smart strategy for historic centres sustainable renovation”. Chapter published on “Sustainability in Energy and Buildings”, Volume 12 of the series Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies, pp 257-264.Editors: M’Sirdi, N.; Namaane, A.; Howlett, R.J.; Jain, L.C., Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27509-8_21
- Basciu, C. Loggia, V. Tramontin, C. Pusceddu (2012) “A sustainable housing unit for emergency areas”. Chapter published on “Sustainability in Energy and Buildings, Volume 12 of the series Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies, pp 75-84. Editors: M’Sirdi, N.; Namaane, A.; Howlett, R.J.; Jain, L.C. ., Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27509-8_6
- Loggia (2005), “Modelli energetici e linee guida per la progettazione sostenibile”(= Energy Models and guidelines for sustainable design), in the book edited by V. De Montis. texts of V. De Montis, M. Basciu, C. Loggia, “Architettura sostenibile e recupero” (Quaderni di architettura (=Architecture Books series), ISBN 8884673178), Cagliari (Italy), CUEC editions
Conference Proceedings
- Govender, V., & Loggia, C. L. T. (2025). Measuring the “bounce back” systems of vulnerable communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1554(1), 012164. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1554/1/012164
- Mhlanga, J., Haupt, T.C., and Loggia , (2023) The Potential of Circular Economy Practices in the Built Environment in Africa: A Perspective of Construction Industry Stakeholders. Association of Schools of Construction of Southern Africa. The 17th Built Environment Conference Construction in 5D: Deconstruction, Digitalization, Disruption, Disaster & Development: The Final Chapter. ISBN number: 978-0-7961-2424-1
- Mathenjwa and Loggia C. (2023) A critical review of the potential of decentralised energy systems in rural settlements. The case of uMkhanyakude district in South Africa. Association of Schools of Construction of Southern Africa. The 17th Built Environment Conference Construction in 5D: Deconstruction, Digitalization, Disruption, Disaster & Development: The Final Chapter. ISBN number: 978-0-7961-2424-1
- Mhlanga, J., Haupt, T.C., and Loggia C., (2022). Identifying Key Barriers Impeding Circular Built Environment Transition in Africa: An Exploratory Factor Analysis. Association of Schools of Construction of Southern Africa (ASOCSA) 16th Built Environment Conference – Construction in 5D: Deconstruction, Digitalization, Disruption, Disaster, 26 – 27 September 2022, Lanseria, South Africa. ISBN 978-0-6397-2285-6 pp23-33 [Awarded Conference Top Paper Award] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377557789_Identifying_Key_Barriers_Impeding_Circular_Built_Environment_Transition_in_Africa_An_Exploratory_Factor_Analysis
- Georgiadou, C.Loggia (2018) “PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND SKILLS ENHANCEMENT IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENT UPGRADING IN DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA”. AMPS Conference, Derby (June 2017). AMPS PROCEEDINGS SERIES. ISSN 2398-9467
- Govender, V., C. Loggia (2017) “Spatial Mapping Analysis of Lost and Insurgent Spaces within the City of Durban”. Proceedings of the International Conference for Sustainable Design of the Built Environment (SDBE 2017, London). ISBN: 978-1-9997971-0
- Loggia, M.C. Georgiadou (2016) “COMMUNITY-LED UPGRADING FOR SELF-RELIANCE IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA: A REVIEW”. RICS COBRA 2016. The Construction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Held in Toronto, Canada in association with George Brown College 20 – 22 September 2016 © RICS 2016. Published in Proceedings ISBN: 978-1-78321-160-9. ISSN: 2398-8614
- Ojo-Aromokudu, J.T., Loggia, C. and Georgiadou, M.C (2016) “Normal” Informal Living Spaces in Low-Income Human Settlements in South Africa”. Proceedings of the 52nd ISOCARP Congress, Durban, South Africa, 12-16 September 2016. Cities We Have vs. Cities We Need. Editor: Guy Perry & Slawomir Ledwon. ©ISOCARP 2016. Produced and published by ISOCARP. ISBN: 978-94-90354-47-3
- Georgiadou, M.C., Loggia, C., Nunez Ferrera, I., Fagan-Watson, B (2016) “An overview of top-down vs. bottom-up models for informal settlement upgrading in South Africa”. Proceedings of the 52nd ISOCARP Congress, Durban, South Africa, 12-16 September 2016. Cities We Have vs. Cities We Need. Editor: Guy Perry & Slawomir Ledwon. ©ISOCARP 2016. Produced and published by ISOCARP. ISBN: 978-94-90354-47-3
- Trois, C. Loggia, V. Tramontin (2013) “Decentralised waste-to-energy as key strategy for systems integration approach towards energy self-reliant built environment in South Africa”. Proceedings of the international conference “Sardinia_2013: 14th International Waste Management and Landfill Symposium” ISBN: 9788862650281 and ISSN: 2282-0027.
Community Involvement
Selected research projects (2016-2026)
- 2023-2027 Principal Investigator for the Project: “Re-engineering informal construction through circular practices and models” with the ETH Zurich funded by Switzerland/SA (SNSF/NRF) Lead Agency.
- 2023-2027 Co-Investigator for the Project “Turning the Titanic” (funded by NRF Global Change Social Sciences Research Programme, Ref GCSS23042697627) that aims to changing the traditional way that construction higher education programs are delivered with a constructivist student-centered focus on learning and not
- 2023-2025 Co-Investigator for the project Development of a Proof-of-Concept of a Digital Public Infrastructure for Energy Systems – in collaboration with India, UK and Project funded by the Frontiers seed funding, Royal Academy of Engineering (UK)
- 2021-2023 Principal Investigator for the Pilot Project: Leadership and Capacity Building towards resilient settlements in South Africa: A pilot study of an informal settlement in KwaZulu-Natal (Khan Rd Settlement in PMB). We worked on informal settlement upgrading, participatory process to co-design sustainable dwellings and develop a community based disaster strategy to respond to hazards (floods, fire).
- 2020-2022 Leader of the Resilience Design Task Team (RDTT) for the uMngeni Resilience Project (https://sanbi.org/biodiversity/science-into-policy-action/nie-adaptation-fund/umngeni-resilience-project/0) to increase resilience of vulnerable communities through interventions such as early warning systems, climate-smart agriculture and climate proofing settlements. We provided co-design of climate strengthened dwellings and interventions for rural houses in Nhlazuka area in KwaZulu-Natal.
- 2018-2020 Collaborator for the project “Realising the potential of urban density to create more prosperous and liveable informal settlements in Africa” funded through the ICSU-NASAC-ISSC Leading Integrated Research for Agenda 2030 in Africa programme, aimed at Advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 11 in
- 2016 -2024 Royal Society Research Fellow -Newton Advanced Fellowship (grant NA 150082) granted for the project: “Building Urban Resilience for Self-Reliance in African cities (project acronym: BURSAC): Energy and environmental management systems to upgrade informal and low-income settlements in South Africa”. (TOT funded 111.000 GBP)
- 2016-2020 Principal Investigator for the SA team within the ESRC/NRF Collaborative Project Urban Transformation in SA, 3-year Grant (ES/N014006/1, UTSA 150520118179), focused on the Community-led Upgrading for self-reliance in informal settlements in South Africa: ISULabaNtu (see more details at isulabantu.org) (Tot. funded 1.400.000 ZAR)
- 2017 100 Resilient Cities Member of the Durban’s 100RC Programme’s reference group for the Resilience Building option, RBO 1: “Collaborative Informal Settlement Action” that will guide the team towards the development of a resilience strategy for the Durban Metropolitan area.
Teaching Expertise
- Housing Technology (HOUS201, HOUS202)
- Human Habitat (HOUS205)
- Sustainable Human Settlements (HOUS306)
- Construction Technology & construction drawing for Property Development program.
- Research methodology (For Master in Housing)
- Renovation and Conservation of Buildings (for Architecture and Building Engineering Programs)
Student Supervision
Successful supervision and co-supervision of more than 40 Postgraduate (Honours, Masters and PhD) students in the disciplines of Housing, Architecture, Engineering.