Maha Basha
School of Architecture and Landscape
PhD Research Student
Full contact details
School of Architecture and Landscape
Arts Tower
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN
- Profile
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Maha Basha holds a BSc (2013) in Architectural Engineering from Ain Shams University in Cairo, then a Double MSc (2017) in Integrated Urbanism and Sustainable Design from Ain Shams University (Egypt) and the University of Stuttgart (Germany). She has held multiple academic roles at leading institutions in Egypt and worked as a design architect in a multinational firm in Cairo, contributing to major architectural projects in the region.
Currently, Maha is a Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) and a doctoral candidate at the School of Architecture and Landscape, University of Sheffield. She is part of the Building and Urban Science (BUS) Research cluster. Her PhD focuses on the intersection of energy practices, minority studies, and complex-to-decarbonise housing. She is particularly interested in exploring the energy consumption gap among ethnic minority households in the UK and how more inclusive approaches to home decarbonisation can be developed.
Maha’s research applies assemblage theory to examine the complex interactions shaping domestic energy practices within the built environment. Driven by her strong interest in mixed-methods research, she has developed robust quantitative skills in survey design, statistical analysis, and indoor environmental monitoring. Besides, she has gained qualitative experience designing, conducting and analysing interviews, using creative tools to support Reflexive Thematic Analysis that deepens understanding of lived experiences.
Beyond her research, Maha has played an active role in organising national and international academic events and workshops. She is also involved in equity and inclusion work, particularly supporting ethnic minority women in postgraduate education. Her academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to sustainable design, collaborative research, and inclusive practices in architecture and higher education.
- Research interests
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Project title:
Energy Practices Among Minority Households in the UKProject outline:
Maha Basha’s doctoral research explores the intersection of human behaviour, culture, and energy practices within the built environment. Her project investigates the energy consumption patterns of ethnic minority households in the UK, with a particular focus on understanding the gap between their actual energy use and national decarbonisation goals. This research is grounded in the understanding that effective climate action and equitable home decarbonisation depend on recognising how social, cultural, environmental and material factors influence domestic energy use, especially among underrepresented and overlooked households in mainstream energy policy.
Maha adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, indoor environmental monitoring, and semi-structured interviews to uncover the lived experiences of minority households and the practical, cultural, and systemic barriers faced. Her research highlights the importance of recognising diversity in energy practices and the role of culture, migration history, housing conditions, and everyday routines in shaping energy practices.
By identifying the key variables and institutional dynamics contributing to the energy consumption gap, Maha’s work contributes to broader discussions around complex-to-decarbonise homes, energy justice and inclusive climate policy. Her findings aim to inform more culturally responsive and socially fair approaches to home decarbonisation, ensuring that hard-to-reach minority households are not left behind in the UK’s energy transition.
Driven by a passion for housing equity, climate action, and cross-cultural understanding, Maha’s research bridges the disciplines of environmental sustainability, social science, and minority studies, offering critical insights for academics, policy makers, and practitioners.
Primary supervisor:
Jim UttleyCo-supervisor:
Chengzhi PengDate started: 02/02/2022
- Research group