Jacob Lutta holds a PhD in Architecture from KU Leuven. His research interests are interior design, urban development, urban design, and space transformation in informal settlements. Since 2013, he has taught interior design and architectural courses at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
My research interests lie at the intersection of interior design, architecture, and urban collective spaces, focusing on how spatial design influences social interactions, cultural expression, and sustainability within informal urban environments. I am particularly interested in exploring the role of interiors, public and semi-public interiors, such as community spaces, co-working spaces, and streets in shaping inclusive, adaptable, and contextually responsive urban experiences.
With rapid urbanization in developing cities and evolving societal needs, I aim to investigate how interior and architectural strategies can enhance the functionality and aesthetic quality of collective spaces while fostering a sense of identity and belonging. This includes examining materiality, spatial configurations, and user behaviour in diverse informal urban settings. Furthermore, I am keen on integrating sustainable design principles to create spaces that serve immediate communal needs and contribute to the long-term resilience of cities.
By bridging the disciplines of interior design, architecture, and urban studies, my research aspires to contribute to the discourse on human-centeredness in informal urban environments, ensuring that collective spaces remain dynamic, accessible, and culturally significant in developing cities.
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Proposed Rehabilitation of Prof. Mukandala's Office at REDET building at the University of Dar es Salaam (2017)