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Menu Home Upfront Now Up Books Towns Structures People Firms Lexicon CHUNGU, Gerald Born: Architect Dr Gerald Chungu, a Senior Lecturer in the [University of the Witwatersrand] School of Architecture and Planning (SoAP) and a professional, licenced architect passed away on 1 July 2021 from Covid-19 related complications. Chungu joined the SoAP in 2006 where, as a dedicated academic, he contributed significantly to raising the research profile of the School. He lectured core courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Chungu's specialisation in sustainable design and energy for buildings and for smart cities made him one of the most valuable academics in the Architecture programme. Chungu was a talented lecturer with a gentle disposition. He shared his knowledge and expertise with the students he taught, and with the masters and PhD students he supervised. For his work, achievements and contribution, Chungu was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2020. Originally from Zambia, Chungu obtained a PhD in Urbanism in 2016 from the Istituto Universitario di Architettura di Venezia (University of Venice – IUAV), Italy. His PhD research focused on the multiplicity and intertwinement of spatial practices in the production of the built environment. Chungu studied Chinese influences on African Cities and Hybrid Urbanism. He believed that the rise of China is an important aspect bound to influence African cities and that understanding these dynamics is critical for Africa's urban future. He presented his research and several papers at national and international conferences and he was a co-guest editor of a special issue of China Perspectives, a Department of Higher Education and Training accredited journal. A devoted family man, he was passionate about the role architecture could play in uplifting people from poverty through low-cost sustainable design. Chungu's wife and two young daughters survive him. His passing is a loss for the SoAP, where he will be missed. The University extends its condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, students and those who knew him. Wits University - School of Architecture and Planning (SoAP): Facebook page, accessed 9 July 2021. (Submitted by William Martinson)