Anna Dobrova

Anna Dobrova is an architect and researcher whose work investigates the formation and development of architectural institutions as sites of collective knowledge production, social engagement, and sustainable urban transformation. She holds master’s degrees from the National Academy of Fine Arts in Kyiv and the Technical University of Vienna and has gained professional experience in architectural and urban planning practices. Her research and practice focus on socially oriented and circular approaches to the built environment, examining how institutional frameworks can mediate participation, resilience, and long-term urban development. In 2015, she co-founded the NGO MistoDiya, dedicated to urban interventions, research, and curatorial projects, and in 2018 co-founded METALAB, an urban laboratory in Ivano-Frankivsk, where she developed and curated programs such as the City Scanning Session urbanism biennale, POLE makerspace, and the CO-HATY affordable housing initiative. Since 2022, based in Basel, she has contributed remotely to the strategic development, fundraising, and international representation of METALAB and the CO-HATY Charitable Foundation, while co-founding the Swiss Network with Ukraine at ETH Zürich and serving on the board of Verein Re-Win, promoting circular reconstruction and material reuse in Ukraine. In 2023 Anna became a fellow in Junge Akademie in ADK in Berlin. Since 2024, she has also worked with CSD Ingenieure in Zürich, consulting on sustainable and circular construction practices. Shorter bio: Anna Dobrova is an architect and researcher whose practice focuses on architectural institutions as sites of collective knowledge, social engagement, and sustainable urban development. She holds master's degrees from the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kyiv and the Technical University of Vienna. In 2018 she co-founded METALAB, an urban laboratory in Ivano-Frankivsk, and the CO-HATY affordable housing initiative. Based in Basel since 2022, she leads the strategic development, fundraising, and international representation of both organisations. She is co-founder of the Swiss Network with Ukraine at ETH Zürich, board member of Verein Re-Win, and since 2024 a consultant in sustainable construction at CSD Ingenieure, Zürich. Fellow of the Junge Akademie, Akademie der Künste Berlin (2023–2025).