Staff Profiles

I am currently teaching Undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Technology, Design and the Environment. I teach on subjects including: Inclusive Design and Urban Planning, Housing Matters, Spatial Planning and Housing and Healthy Ageing.

Research group membership

Member of the Healthy Ageing and Care Network

Expert Member of City Space Architecture, a partner of UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme

Member of The International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB)

Research projects

Co-Principal Investigator for Project ISCA Infrastructures of care for and by older people in Sub-Saharan Africa (2022-2023). This project is funded by the Oxford Brookes Research Excellence Award (£7,629) and Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing (MICRA) Seedcorn Award (£5,980). Research team includes: Dr Deljana Iossifova (Co-Principal Investigator, University of Manchester), Tanja Bastia (Co-Investigator, University of Manchester) and Nan Zhang (Co-Investigator, University of Manchester).

Project Manager and Post-Doctoral Researcher, Healthy and Inclusive Cities: Slum upgrading housing programme in Kibera, Kenya - Salford University, Manchester, UK. PI Research Impact Fund University of Salford, (£6,000).
July 2020 – July 2021

Post-Doctoral Researcher, A new portal for City Information Modelling and sustainable urban regeneration (funded by Royal Academy of Engineering) - Salford University, Manchester, UK. (£79,990)
December 2019 – December 2021

Post-Doctoral Researcher, Interplay between density, design, and wellbeing towards developing resilient cities, funded by Royal Academy of Engineering, Frontiers of Engineering for Development – Applied Science University, Cardiff University and Cape Town University (21-22).

Using inclusive design to develop digital health and community tools for refugees in refugee camps – Applied Science University, Jordan; Salford University, Manchester, UK.
December 2019 – June 2020

Post-Doctoral Researcher, Enhancing cultural resilience in India by applying inclusive digital technologies to the Indian tangible and intangible heritage (funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, UK and Indian Heritage Research Council), Salford University, Manchester, UK. (£183,267)
May 2018 – December 2020

Post-Doctoral Researcher, Inclusive IT conservation of traditional architecture and heritage (2019-2021) (funded by Royal Academy of Engineering, Newton Fund, Industry Academia Partnership Programme - 18/19, (£63,051)

Journal articles

• Ncube B, Nhapi T, 'Un-African Ageing? Discourses of the Socio-Spatial Welfare for Older People in Urban Zimbabwe'
  Architecture and Culture 10 (1) (2022) pp.156-173
  ISSN: 2050-7828 eISSN: 2050-7836
  Abstract

  Global discourse has evidenced that the physical and social environment continues to have a large bearing on how people age, resulting in a growing recognition of the socio-spatial needs of older people in urban environments. This article examines the representation of Zimbabwe’s older people, a subject that has rarely been the focus of critical analysis. A sample of national policy documents and media articles were
  carefully selected and inspected to determine the level of presence of older people’s welfare using discourse analysis. The article shows how the discourses on spaces of welfare for older people in Zimbabwe are layered and multidimensional. This includes challenges of access to spaces of welfare, the abandonment and neglect of older people and informality, as well as the changes to family and community support known as Ubuntu.

  Website 
• Aburamadan R, Trillo C, Udeaja C, Moustaka A, Awuah KG, Makore BC, 'Heritage conservation and digital technologies in Jordan'
  Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage 22 (2021)
  ISSN: 2212-0548 eISSN: 2212-0548
  Abstract

  Heritage cities are challenged by a combination of pressures, including climate change effects, rapid urbanization and abandonment. Conversely, a plethora of new methodologies and instruments are now available, thanks to digital technologies, which hold the potential to support planning conservation of heritage cities. This study seeks to explore the applicability of digital technologies to heritage conservation planning practices, in Jordan, with a more general applicability of some findings to the larger international context. Opportunities and limitations in supporting plans for heritage conservation in heritage cities through digital technologies are discussed. This study analyses several forms of data, including secondary data, semi-structured interviews with heritage experts and focus groups. Recommendations are made to maximise the potential of digital technologies in both eliciting awareness on heritage and documenting it for the purpose of developing more robust and effective conservation plans for heritage cities.
  

  Website 
• Mansuri LE, Patel DA, Udeaja C, Makore BCN, Trillo C, Awuah KGB, Jha KN, 'A systematic mapping of BIM and digital technologies for architectural heritage'
  Smart and Sustainable Built Environment Online first (2021)
  ISSN: 2046-6099 eISSN: 2046-6099
  Abstract

  Purpose. 
  Across the architecture, engineering and construction industry, the application of building information modelling (BIM) as a digital technology for architectural heritage is becoming increasingly relevant. However, scholarly research on the application of BIM for architectural heritage is still in its infancy stage and the research gaps and future directions of this research area are still unclear. This paper therefore aims to fill this gap by using a systematic and robust review using a mixed-method approach to show the gaps of research for BIM and architectural heritage and point to new directions for future works.

  Design/methodology/approach. 
  The study includes a quantitative scientometric analysis and mapping and a qualitative study. A total of 354 articles related to BIM and architectural heritage were analysed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative tools. The qualitative study consists of a systematic literature review supported by data collected from stakeholder and training workshops on digital technologies and BIM for heritage.

  Findings. 
  Findings from this study reveal the gaps in the field of heritage and BIM research according to retrieved articles from different countries and journals. Furthermore, emerging domains for future research were identified and these included: as-built modelling and 3D reconstruction; conservation, preservation and management; documentation; maintenance and restoration; virtual technology and simulation.

  Originality/value. 
  The common research challenges were identified as an integrated outcome of the findings revealed from the scientometric mapping and qualitative review and resulted in key BIM and heritage research priority recommendations relevant to researchers within this field.

  Website 
• Makore BCN, Al-Maiyah S, 'Moving from the Margins: Towards an Inclusive Urban Representation of Older People in Zimbabwe’s Policy Discourse'
  Societies 11 (1) (2021)
  ISSN: 2075-4698 eISSN: 2075-4698
  Abstract

  Population ageing has become a major global demographic shift but perhaps less noticeable in the Global South. Zimbabwe, like many African countries, is experiencing and will continue to witness an increase in older age, hence questioning its readiness to handle such change. Ageing in Zimbabwe is currently occurring in the context of increasing poverty, political unrest, changing family structures, and weakening infrastructures. Despite this, Zimbabwe is committed to promoting change and betterment for its citizens through adherence to international agendas and national development strategies. However, the first step towards the realisation of an inclusive urban environment begins with a fair representation of the various actors and social groups. This review paper is aimed at examining the representation of Zimbabwe’s older people, a subject that has rarely been the focus of critical analysis, concentrating on the political discourse in urban development programmes. A sample of 45 international and national policy documents published post-2002, was carefully selected and inspected to determine the level of presence of older people using discourse analysis. The findings reveal that in the context of the efforts made towards a Zimbabwe that is inclusive of all citizens, the idea of older persons as subjects of rights and active participants has yet to truly gain sufficient currency. There is a dominance of a one-dimensional perspective across the majority of the publications, with older people constructed as “dependent”, “vulnerable” and “passive”, overseeing vital contributions to society. A realistic and more empowering representation of this social group, showing them as active caregivers rather than passive recipients is therefore a necessity if Zimbabwe is to fulfil its vision of inclusivity.
  

  Website 
• Trillo C, Aburamadan R, Mubaideen S, Salameen D, Makore BCN, 'Towards a Systematic Approach to Digital Technologies for Heritage Conservation. Insights from Jordan'
  Preservation, Digital Technology & Culture 49 (4) (2020) pp.121-138
  ISSN: 2195-2957 eISSN: 2195-2965
  Abstract

  Consensus exists on the importance of heritage for ensuring sustainable futures, due to its impact on political aspects, ethical reflection and local economic development. Nowadays, using technology has become crucial in the construction industry, including heritage conservation. This paper aims to compare a selected sample of digital platforms, gathering data in support of heritage documentation, both for heritage and archeological sites. Despite the huge potential of digital technologies for contributing to heritage conservation, still there is a need for more clarity on what should be used to achieve different goals and what is the best approach under various circumstances. A team of five experts on digital technologies applied to different types of heritage worked collaboratively to gather the case studies in this paper and to analyse them comparatively. Jordan is a Middle East and North Africa country chosen as unit of analysis, because of the huge potential of digital technologies for heritage documentation. The findings from the comparative case review offers a reflection on what should best adopted for achieving different goals. Differences of approaches were revealed between the characteristics of heritage site and those of archaeological sites in Jordan’s conservation history. The findings called for a prioritization of using digital technology in both heritage and archeological sites. The discussion on digital platforms currently available in Jordan allows for highlighting strengths and limitations of different approaches and methodologies, thus drawing lessons for addressing the strategic choice of the most appropriate digital solution under different circumstances and in different contexts.
  

  Website 
• Aburamadan R, Trillo C, Makore BCN, 'Designing refugees’ camps: temporary emergency solutions, or contemporary paradigms of incomplete urban citizenship? Insights from Al Za’atari'
  City, Territory and Architecture 7 (1) (2020)
  ISSN: 2195-2701 eISSN: 2195-2701
  Abstract

  Millions of people have been forcibly displaced around the world at an alarming rate. In 2018, approximately 70.8 million people (UNHCR 2018) were living in refugee camps. These camps are the most immediate response to the emergency. However, they have become more than a simple temporary solution, with refugees spending significantly longer than they should. Motivated largely by an economic rationale, the camps are often produced rapidly, cheaply and effectively to accommodate the largest possible number of shelters in the shortest time. The aim of this paper is to explore whether the concept of permanence should be embedded in the spatial configuration of a refugees’ camp, or whether the concept of transient and temporary community would better reflect the aspirations of the users. The Al Za’atari camp has been selected as a case study to explore the nexus between spatial configuration and social aspirations of the refugees’ community. Indeed, the findings revealed that the spatial configuration of the Al Za’atari camp reflects social fabric, habits and organization of the refugees’ community. This has occurred to the point that the camp has taken on the appearance of a sort of informal city. This study therefore suggests recommendations to support the design of spatial and architectural solutions that better meet the actual needs of the final users largely disregarded in the current emergency approach.
  

  Website 
• Udeaja Chika, Trillo Claudia, Awuah Kwasi G.B., Makore Busisiwe C.N., Patel D. A., Mansuri Lukman E., Jha Kumar N., 'Urban Heritage Conservation and Rapid Urbanization: Insights from Surat, India'
  SUSTAINABILITY 12 (6) (2020)
  ISSN: 2071-1050 eISSN: 2071-1050
  Abstract

  Currently, heritage is challenged in the Indian city of Surat due to diverse pressures, including rapid urbanization, increasing housing demand, and socio-cultural and climate changes. Where rapid demographic growth of urban areas is happening, heritage is disappearing at an alarming rate. Despite some efforts from the local government, urban cultural heritage is being neglected and historic buildings keep being replaced by ordinary concrete buildings at a worryingly rapid pace. Discussions of challenges and issues of Surat’s urban area is supported by a qualitative dataset, including in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus groups with local policy makers, planners, and heritage experts, triangulated by observation and a photo-survey of two historic areas. Findings from this study reveal a myriad of challenges such as: inadequacy of urban conservation management policies and processes focused on heritage, absence of skills, training, and resources amongst decision makers and persistent conflict and competition between heritage conservation needs and developers’ interests. Furthermore, the values and significance of Surat’s tangible and intangible heritage is not fully recognized by its citizens and heritage stakeholders. A crucial opportunity exists for Surat to maximize the potential of heritage and reinforce urban identity for its present and future generations. Surat’s context is representative of general trends and conservation challenges and therefore recommendations developed in this study hold the potential to offer interesting insights to the wider planners and conservationists’ international community. This paper recommends thoughtful integration of sustainable heritage urban conservation into local urban development frameworks and the establishment of approaches that recognize the plurality of heritage values.
  

  Website 
• Udeaja C, Trillo C, Awuah KGB, Makore BCN, Patel DA, Mansuri LE, Jha KN, 'Urban Heritage Conservation and Rapid Urbanization: Insights from Surat, India'
  Sustainability 12 (6) (2020)
  ISSN: 2071-1050 eISSN: 2071-1050
  Abstract

  Currently, heritage is challenged in the Indian city of Surat due to diverse pressures, including rapid urbanization, increasing housing demand, and socio-cultural and climate changes. Where rapid demographic growth of urban areas is happening, heritage is disappearing at an alarming rate. Despite some efforts from the local government, urban cultural heritage is being neglected and historic buildings keep being replaced by ordinary concrete buildings at a worryingly rapid pace. Discussions of challenges and issues of Surat’s urban area is supported by a qualitative dataset, including in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus groups with local policy makers, planners, and heritage experts, triangulated by observation and a photo-survey of two historic areas. Findings from this study reveal a myriad of challenges such as: inadequacy of urban conservation management policies and processes focused on heritage, absence of skills, training, and resources amongst decision makers and persistent conflict and competition between heritage conservation needs and developers’ interests. Furthermore, the values and significance of Surat’s tangible and intangible heritage is not fully recognized by its citizens and heritage stakeholders. A crucial opportunity exists for Surat to maximize the potential of heritage and reinforce urban identity for its present and future generations. Surat’s context is representative of general trends and conservation challenges and therefore recommendations developed in this study hold the potential to offer interesting insights to the wider planners and conservationists’ international community. This paper recommends thoughtful integration of sustainable heritage urban conservation into local urban development frameworks and the establishment of approaches that recognize the plurality of heritage values.
  

  Website 
• Petti Luigi, Trillo Claudia, Makore Busisiwe Ncube, 'Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development Targets: A Possible Harmonisation? Insights from the European Perspective'
  SUSTAINABILITY 12 (3) (2020)
  ISSN: 2071-1050 eISSN: 2071-1050
  Abstract

  The Agenda 2030 includes a set of targets that need to be achieved by 2030. Although none of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses exclusively on cultural heritage, the resulting Agenda includes explicit reference to heritage in SDG 11.4 and indirect reference to other Goals. Achievement of international targets shall happen at local and national level, and therefore, it is crucial to understand how interventions on local heritage are monitored nationally, therefore feeding into the sustainable development framework. This paper is focused on gauging the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals with reference to cultural heritage, by interrogating the current way of classifying it (and consequently monitoring). In fact, there is no common dataset associated with monitoring SDGs, and the field of heritage is extremely complex and diversified. The purpose for the paper is to understand if the taxonomy used by different national databases allows consistency in the classification and valuing of the different assets categories. The European case study has been chosen as field of investigation, in order to pilot a methodology that can be expanded in further research. A cross-comparison of a selected sample of publicly accessible national cultural heritage databases has been conducted. As a result, this study confirms the existence of general harmonisation of data towards the achievement of the SDGs with a broad agreement of the conceptualisation of cultural heritage with international frameworks, thus confirming that consistency exists in the classification and valuing of the different assets categories. However, diverse challenges of achieving a consistent and coherent approach to integrating culture in sustainability remains problematic. The findings allow concluding that it could be possible to mainstream across different databases those indicators, which could lead to depicting the overall level of attainment of the Agenda 2030 targets on heritage. However, more research is needed in developing a robust correlation between national datasets and international targets.
  

  Website 
• Petti L, Trillo C, Makore BN, 'Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development Targets: A Possible Harmonisation? Insights from the European Perspective'
  Sustainability 12 (3) (2020)
  ISSN: 2071-1050 eISSN: 2071-1050
  Abstract

  The Agenda 2030 includes a set of targets that need to be achieved by 2030. Although none of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses exclusively on cultural heritage, the resulting Agenda includes explicit reference to heritage in SDG 11.4 and indirect reference to other Goals. Achievement of international targets shall happen at local and national level, and therefore, it is crucial to understand how interventions on local heritage are monitored nationally, therefore feeding into the sustainable development framework. This paper is focused on gauging the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals with reference to cultural heritage, by interrogating the current way of classifying it (and consequently monitoring). In fact, there is no common dataset associated with monitoring SDGs, and the field of heritage is extremely complex and diversified. The purpose for the paper is to understand if the taxonomy used by different national databases allows consistency in the classification and valuing of the different assets categories. The European case study has been chosen as field of investigation, in order to pilot a methodology that can be expanded in further research. A cross-comparison of a selected sample of publicly accessible national cultural heritage databases has been conducted. As a result, this study confirms the existence of general harmonisation of data towards the achievement of the SDGs with a broad agreement of the conceptualisation of cultural heritage with international frameworks, thus confirming that consistency exists in the classification and valuing of the different assets categories. However, diverse challenges of achieving a consistent and coherent approach to integrating culture in sustainability remains problematic. The findings allow concluding that it could be possible to mainstream across different databases those indicators, which could lead to depicting the overall level of attainment of the Agenda 2030 targets on heritage. However, more research is needed in developing a robust correlation between national datasets and international targets.
  

  Website 
• Petti L, Trillo C, Makore BCN, 'Towards a Shared Understanding of the Concept of Heritage in the European Context'
  Heritage 2 (3) (2019) pp.2531-2544
  ISSN: 2571-9408 eISSN: 2571-9408
  Abstract

  The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of commonalities and differences in the concept of cultural heritage in Europe. This was achieved through a comprehensive academic and non-academic literature review focused on different definitions and conceptualisations related to cultural heritage internationally and in the European context. This is complemented with a comparative study in three European countries. This paper frames cultural heritage using the foundation set up by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It further discusses the European actors involved in defining heritage today. Finally, it focuses on three European countries and verifies that they share an understanding of cultural heritage including classifications, categorisation and heritage values. Findings from the overall study show how the definition of cultural heritage across Europe is reasonably homogeneous, and this is confirmed by the analysis of the three chosen test case studies. This finding is relevant to policy makers as it allows the support of potential common frameworks for heritage management at the European level, including risk management and risk reduction common methodologies. Further studies will shed light on the implementation issues which may arise from the creation of a common European framework for cultural heritage management, with emphasis on risk management and risk reduction of cultural heritage. 
  

  Website 

Book chapters

• Udeaja Chika, Mansuri Lukman E., Makore Busisiwe Chikomborero Ncube, Gyau Baffour Awuah Kwasi, Patel Dilip A., Trillo Claudia, Jha K. N., 'Digital Storytelling: The Integration of Intangible and Tangible Heritage in the City of Surat, India' in Digital Storytelling: The Integration of Intangible and Tangible Heritage in the City of Surat, India, Springer International Publishing (2021)
  ISBN: 9783030774103 eISBN: 9783030774110
  Abstract

  The impact of digital technologies to the domain of cultural heritage has increased the speed and automation of the processes and practices that involve processing and presentation of digital heritage data. Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) and Virtual Reality (VR) can play a key role towards the conservation, preservation, and management of architectural heritage. This includes the preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage at multiple levels. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of digital storytelling through digital technologies by integrating intangible data and information to the tangible heritage in the scan-to-BIM process. The paper builds on few works that have begun to investigate the classification of intangible qualitative heritage data within a BIM and VR context for heritage assets. This exploration demonstrates that the incorporation of both qualitative and quantitative information about a heritage-built asset has value in the (re)interpretation, documentation and preservation of cultural heritage. The development of HBIM and VR in this paper is to bring together heterogeneous data that has the potential to provide a model for future work in the field of heritage conservation and digital technologies. The city of Surat is used as a case study for exploring the potential of digital storytelling for the city’s urban heritage. Indeed, this holistic integration can enhance the awareness of urban cultural heritage to support the processes of local urban heritage conservation for key stakeholders such as local Government, heritage conservation experts, urban planners and local communities.
  

  Website 

Other publications

• Trillo C, Aburamadan R, Makore BCN, Udeaja C, Moustaka A, Awuah KGB, Patel DA, Mansuri LE, 'Towards Smart Planning Conservation of Heritage Cities: Digital Technologies and Heritage Conservation Planning'
  (2021) Abstract

  Consensus exists on the importance of local identity and diversity in the sustainability discourse, including community resilience. As result, cultural policies are essential to enable sustainability goals. In the construction industry, digital technologies are playing a significant role in flattening the richness and distinctiveness of local contexts and homogenizing languages and practices, under the pressure of the constant urge to reduce costs and the necessity to comply with a sometime overwhelming plethora of technical and legal requirements and standards. The ambition of this paper is to shed light to the interplay between digital technologies, planning practice and tangible heritage conservation in the city, by clarifying the dynamic among the three fields and their implications in the practice. In so doing, this paper aims at offering recommendations that can inform the smart heritage conservation planning practice worldwide, and can be used by experts working for heritage conservation authorities, local authorities, professional practices, charities and digital technologies companies.
  

  Website 
• Aburamadan R, Moustaka A, Trillo C, Makore BCN, Udeaja C, Awuah KGB, 'Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) as a Tool for Heritage Conservation: Observations and Reflections on Data Collection, Management and Use in Research in a Middle Eastern Context'
  (2021) Abstract

  The rich architectural and urban heritage of Jordan is under continuing threat not only through means of physical attack but also physical disaster, increasing urbanization and a diminishing value from multiple stakeholders such as owners and users. This research study explores the potential of digital technologies in documenting and preserving urban architectural heritage in Jordan. Data was collected from diverse stakeholders on heritage conservation in Jordan. The findings evidence that Building Information Modelling (BIM) has the potential to create a classification system for heritage buildings under threat and set forth the application of legislation and regulations about heritage . The study demonstrated that the collection of data information needs to be understood through the context of cultural sensitivity. Lack of awareness in the value of cultural heritage from local communities exacerbates the diminishing efforts in preserving cultural assets. In collecting information for the documentation of this heritage, this study categorizes the challenges of preserving urban heritage as either hierarchical or cultural. The collection, management and storing of data for digital heritage requires an awareness of the issues of time and the power structures that are involved in their collection and upon which they have a profound effect.
  

  Website 
• Trillo C, Aburamadan R, Udeaja C, Moustaka A, Baffour KG, Makore BCN, 'Enhancing Heritage and Traditional Architecture Conservation Through Digital Technologies. Developing a Digital Conservation Handbook for As-Salt, Jordan'
  (2020) Abstract

  Heritage cities are facing unprecedented pressure, due to the combination of climate change impacts, rapid urbanization and uncontrolled growth. Historic urban centres in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries are particularly exposed. This paper discusses the benefit of applying digital technologies, and in particular Building Information Modeling (BIM), in supporting heritage conservation, by developing a proof of concept based on a purposely chosen case study, i.e. the traditional Jordanian city of As-Salt near Amman. Building on and moving forward the tradition of paper-based Conservation Handbooks for historic cities, this study aims at exploiting the potential of digital technologies for enhancing the development and implementation of Digital Conservation Handbooks. Documentation and promoting of As-Salt will be conducted through developing a set of virtual models (3D models and BIM objects) suitable to support the construction sector and traditional architecture and heritage, framed and delivered in form of Digital Conservation Handbook. This will be achieved by: developing a new set of BIM (Building Information Modeling) objects related to the traditional architecture heritage in Jordan, suitable to be used by engineers and architects in the development of interventions on the built environment; creating a library of 3D models of exemplar buildings (Jordan heritage and traditional architecture), suitable to be used to promote the tourist image of Jordan. This will set a precedent for further documentation and heritage conservation of traditional cities in Jordan, MENA countries and internationally. Finally, the paper will discuss issues and challenges of documenting traditional heritage and architecture in As-Salt and the impact that such process may achieve in raising awareness across the local communities, thus offering insights to the larger community of architects, conservationists, and planners.
  

  Website 

Areas of expertise

Director of the National Association of Disability Practitioners

Community Ambassador for African Families in the UK and Pamoja Infrastructure Oxford group. I lead on Place-making and Healthy Ageing projects within Oxfordshire.